Issue 40 - Scanner Digest Newsletter
Transcription
Issue 40 - Scanner Digest Newsletter
ISSUE 40 APR-MAY-JUNE-JULY 2007 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ PRODUCT REVIEW - UNIDEN BCD396T NJ SHORE BEACH FREQUENCIES COMM PROFILE - CHESTER CO. PA INTRODUCTION TO E.M.W.I.N. ATLANTIC CITY BEACHFRONT AIR SHOW forecasts, and other products issued by the National Weather Service. 2. A suite of methods to obtain this data feed and display the products on your personal computer. Two of the methods for obtaining the EMWIN feed are direct satellite broadcast and repeat radio broadcast. With direct satellite, you receive the EMWIN feed directly from one of the satellites broadcasting the signal. With repeat radio, you get the feed from a repeat broadcast (usually VHF), which comes from an existing direct satellite receive site. Note: If you want to get the EMWIN feed by repeat radio, you must be within range (usually 10-50 miles) of a repeat broadcast from an existing direct satellite receive site. A list of these sites can be found on the Radio Broadcast Areas page of this web site. To use the direct satellite or repeat radio method, you will need special hardware to receive the EMWIN feed. You can learn more about the hardware by contacting one or more of the EMWIN vendors listed on the Commercial Vendors page. You will also need special software for storing, managing, and displaying the products on your computer. Many hardware vendors offer complete 'turnkey' systems that include software. Litchfield New Hampshire fire training courtesy John Bolduc. GENERAL EDITOR Jeff Newton c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Basic Introduction to EMWIN The Emergency Managers Weather Information Network -EMWIN -- is a service that allows users to obtain weather forecasts, warnings, and other information directly from the National Weather Service (NWS) in almost real time. EMWIN is intended to be used primarily by emergency managers and public safety officials who need timely weather information to make critical decisions. However, anyone with a personal computer running Windows can be an EMWIN user. EMWIN basically consists of two things: 1. A round-the-clock data feed of current weather warnings, watches, and images from NESDIS, advisories, SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 If you don't want to buy the broadcast hardware, the program by itself provides a couple of methods for obtaining the EMWIN feed directly over the Internet . One of these methods is called Internet push, because it automatically 'pushes' a continuous stream of data across your internet connection into your PC. This method is only a few seconds slower than the satellite or radio broadcast methods. The other internet method uses the File Transfer Protocol -- or FTP. Also known as Internet pull, this method allows you to request -- or 'pull' -- a large block (13 hours worth) of data at one time and have it sent to you in a compressed file for further processing by software. Both of these methods are available with the program. All you need is software and a dial-up connection to the internet. You don't need a Web browser to use either of these methods. GO HERE to download a FREE 30-day trial version of the WeatherNode program -- TEST with the 'push' software already included and ready to install. NOTE: The Internet is not always available. . Another form of Internet pull allows you to access and display the EMWIN data directly on the Web without using any special hardware or software. All you need is a dial-up connection to the Internet and your Web browser software. PAGE 1 This method is called the Interactive Weather Information Network, or IWIN. Finally, for links to information about other commercial software applications, including RealEMWIN and Digital Atmosphere, click here. And Remember: Once you have paid for the initial hardware and software you need to start using the EMWIN service, there are no additional fees or recurring charges. The NWS forecasts, warnings, and other data you receive from this service are FREE, and you may do anything you want with them. --------------------------------------------COMMERICAL EMWIN Vendors The NWS uses radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts for disseminating the EMWIN data stream. RECEPTION and REPEATING of all broadcasts requires specialized equipment or software, available commercially (some for FREE). The following vendors supply general off-the-shelf hardware or specialized equipment useful for receiving, rebroadcasting, and using EMWIN data. Note: a listing here does not imply any particular endorsement by the NWS disclaimer as a function or suitability for your purpose of environment. Weather Message WWW home page: Weather Message Offers specialized software to decode and process National Weather Service messages. This software can be used to provide weather information and storm alerts to local governmental agencies, schools, and private groups. Group2call WWW home page: Group2call Group2call is a voice and message broadcast service that allows users to send voice, email or SMS messages to any phone for an affordable cost. The service will interface with Weather Message software and allow users to send text products (warnings, forecasts etc.) to phones, cell phones, SMS devices and email. The service can use automated text to speech conversion to automatically call your telephone devices and deliver warnings using speech. The Emergency Email Network "A Public Private Partnership" 10151 Deerwood Park Blvd. 200-250 Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 371-3217 (208) 730-6219 (fax) WWW home page: Emergency Email Network Public service E-mail Delivery of Weather Warnings and Alerts on a county by county basis from IWIN and EMWIN data streams. Available to the public at large. Also provides other emergency data source delivery from other government sources. Free - You can set up to email your computer, or alert your pager, PDA, or cell phone. SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Storm Alert Inc InterWARN software download here Interwarn is a state of the art program that handles all your weather related needs. InterWARN turns any Internet connection or EMWIN feed into your own automated personal wire service for National Weather Service watches, warnings, and statements Zephyrus Electronics, Ltd 171 S. 122 E. Avenue Tulsa, OK 74128-2405 (918) 437-3333 Fax:(918)438-7322 Contact: Ed Covington or Robert Hale WWW home page: Zephyrus WWW e-mail: Zephyrus EMWIN Hardware and Software. Complete EMWIN solutions. Manufacturer of GOES EMWIN/WEFAX earth station systems with automatic switching between two satellites. EMWIN retransmission processors for wire distribution or VHF broadcast. Frequency agile VHF receivers for high speed satellite and radio use of EMWIN. Allows for live weather data stream into your PC via satellite and radio RealEMWIN Skywatch Weather Services WWW home page: Skywatch/EMWIN WWW e-mail: RealEMWIN EMWIN Software. EMWIN Internet Data broadcasting and receiving software, Software packages for free Automatic paging of Weatherproducts to your pager from your own computer systems, mailing lists & services Tigertronics 400 Daily Lane P.O. Box 5210 Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 (541) 474-6700 (541) 474-6703 (fax) WWW home page: Tigertronics WWW e-mail: Tigertronics EMWIN hardware. EMWIN Modulators and Demodulators for Satellite and Radio Broadcasts. SKYLERT (615) 260-0193 WWW home page: SKYLERT WWW e-mail: SKYLERT SKYLERT is a public service e-mail delivery system of Weather Warnings and Alerts of up to 20 counties anywhere in the United States from NOAAPORT, IWIN, and EMWIN data streams. Weather Graphics Technologies Inc. P.O. Box 450211 Garland, TX 75045 (888) 388-0070 PAGE 2 (405) 573-0700 (972) 495-6848 (fax) WWW home page: Weather Graphics WWW e-mail: Weather Graphics EMWIN Hardware and Software. Latest version of DIGITAL ATMOSPHERE software. Graphical weather display applications for EMWIN. Turnkey hardwaresoftware packages for receiving, displaying, and use of EMWIN. World Wide Maps and features. Weathertrac.com GeosTech, Inc. 307 Clinton Avenue, Suite 120 Huntsville, AL 35801 (770) 557-3000 WWW home page: Weathertrac WWW e-mail: Weathertrac The ULTIMATE Wx Software Archive: Weathertrac EMWIN Software. Live Weather Information and EMWIN monitoring via Webcast. Home of 'The Ultimate Wx Software Archive' Free weather information from around the world via EMWIN satellite broadcast in graphical format. Sign up to receive FREE weather forecast, warning, and other NWS products daily or as issued via email or pager. Weathertrac.com hosts the 'Ultimate Weather Software Archive' - all downloads reviewed, rated, and validated monthly. Texas 2-Way 200 West Expressway 83 San Juan, TX 78589 (956) 702-2481 (956) 702-3684 (fax) WWW home page: Texas 2-Way EMWIN decoders and recievers, and custom coputer products. Alert Technologies, Corp. Suite 670 1910 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 794-3933 WWW e-mail: Alert Technologies EMWIN, EAS, SAME and AFOS equipment & services ProAlert.us 1003 Centennial Pkwy Waunakee WI 53597 608-849-7279 e-mail: ProAlert.us WWW home page: ProAlert.us Utilizies NWS Weather Wire and EMWIN services. ProAlert.us offers subscription based alerts sent to your regular email inbox or text ready cell phone or pager. We have a number of emergency managers, county 911 call centers, utility companies, school district staff, first responders, storm spotter groups and Skywarn members as users. You can now get the same great service we offer them! PUBLISHER Lou Campagna, Publisher POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] PRODUCT REVIEW: by Craig Leventhal N3TPM Uniden BCD396T Analog / Digital scanner Weather Affirmation, L.I.C. P.O. Box 13057 Oklahoma City, OK 73113-1057 (405) 842-0830 (405) 842-1560 (fax) WWW e-mail: Weather Affirmation Software, demodulators, radios, GOES satellite equipment, alphanumeric paging service and equipment. Ft. Worth Weather Products aka Electronic Service Solutions 3821 Del Rio Drive Ft. Worth, TX 76133 (817) 292-6579, (888) 837-2831 (817) 292-8836 (fax) WWW home page: Ft. Worth Weather Products WWW e-mail: Ft. Worth Weather Products (Tracy Ligon) WeatherNode Packages. Demodulators. Computer Equipment. Rebuilt Laptops for field use. VHF receiving and transmitting equipment SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 I admit it; I am behind the technology curve. I work with 2way radios and cellular phones every day and they are pretty high-tech. But when it comes to my own personal communications gear, my motto has been “older is better”, until now. In the past I had to carry 2 scanners in order to hear everything that I like to listen to including the newer public safety TRS systems and milair comms. It seems that I tend to upgrade only when I am forced into it, so, PAGE 3 when an opportunity to checkout the BCD396T came along I jumped at the chance. I received the evaluation sample unit about a week after returning from the 2007 Dayton Hamvention in May. Upon opening the box I found the scanner, a set of rechargeable batteries, a wall charger / power supply, rubber flex antenna, a BNC-SMA adapter, a computer interface cable and a very thick operators manual. frequencies being available to civilians, besides encrypted P25 comms will not show up on close call. There are a number of global settings available in the ‘396T, which are unique including a blue backlight that lights the display and keypad. It can be set to turn on when a button is pushed or when the scanner stops on an active channel or talkgroup, but it only stays on for 5 seconds while comms are happening. It should have the capability for the time to be user selectable just as the manual backlight mode is. The first thing I noticed about this new scanner is its diminutive size as compared to my PRO92. The ‘396T is a good 30% smaller in volume and half the weight. I decided to try it out right away so I grabbed a set of AA batteries (it takes 3). A word of caution here, there is a small slide switch located inside the battery compartment underneath the batteries that MUST be set to the type of batteries you are using (see manual P33). After aquatinting myself with the basic operation of the multipurpose knob on top as well as the functions of the keypad, I took the next step, I programmed in my local PD, FD, EMS conventional frequencies and pushed “scan”. In side by side comparisons with my PRO92 and PRO43 scanners, the ‘396T was equal to or slightly better in both sensitivity and selectivity. Programming the ‘396T is a bit tedious if you use the scroll wheel and keypad so I suggest that you get one of the software packages available from several sources. Uniden has their own which is a free download see: (www.uniden.com/downloads). Butel and Starsoft have versions also. I downloaded Uniden’s version for this evaluation and it proved adequate for programming the trunked radio systems that are near my home QTH. In ‘id search’ mode the scanner stops and displays any active talk groups and you can set the ‘396T to automatically store these active groups as they are received. You can go back in later and add an alphanumeric tag to each group. The alpha tags can also be added to the conventional frequencies which I found especially useful in the milair band. However when you put a tag in place the scanner shows only the tag and not the frequency as it does on a trunked system. This may be fixed by a software download- how about it Uniden? You can store up to 6000 frequencies by themselves or a bit less with alpha tags. Up to 400 “systems” can be stored and a system can be either trunked or conventional. When in scan mode you select which systems you want to include in the scanlist, similar to scan banks in older scanners. Within a system you can have groups which can be either trunked talkgroups or groups of conventional frequencies. So for example your system 1 could have 3 groups in it “FIRE”, “POLICE”, “EMS” which you can selectively turn on and off as desired. Uniden probably can fix this with a software update. The other nice feature is battery save that is handy when you are running on batteries since this scanner eats alkalines for breakfast. The rechargeables last longer but I suggest you carry a second set when you go to an all day event such as an airshow or car race. You could also make up a battery pack and cable that plugs into the jack on the side of the ‘396T. You will need 6vdc, which can be 4 “c” or “d” cells, which should last almost all day. Another useful feature is the earphone jack, which is configured for either mono or stereo headphones which older scanners were lacking, now the sound comes out of both sides! Overall the BCD396T is a vast improvement over my previous units since it covers all the bands and modes that I use, it auto stores active trunked talk groups and searches out unknown frequencies and codes. Th ability to use both rechargeable and alkaline batteries is a plus since I often use a scanner far from sources of commercial power. The ability to program and save the scanners memory on a computer is a big plus since I can save a configuration file for each part of the country that I visit and not have to reprogram through the keypad. The few minor quirks regarding the backlight and alpha tag / frequency display are most likely an easy fix that Uniden can implement through a software download. I plan on giving this scanner a real workout during the July th 4 week since I will be at the NJ shore where there are a myriad of trunked, conventional and milair listening opportunities. Craig Leventhal N3TPM Another nifty feature is called “Close Call” which lets you find unknown frequencies and CTCSS / DCS codes by setting the close call to on and getting near the transmitter, typically 50 feet. I do not recommend standing near a secret service agent or DHS officer and trying this since they have no sense of humor about their “secret” comms SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 PAGE 4 RHODE ISLAND Elmer Stanley c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Here is an article about the new Rhode Island 800 MHz digital interoperability system. The data channel is: 868.875 MHz from five tower sites in Southern, Rhode Island. 1001 1002 1003 1004 1005 1006 1007 1008 1009 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1026 1069 Narragansett Police Dispatch Narragansett Police Dispatch 2 Narragansett Police Detail 1 Narragansett Police Detail 2 Marine Narragansett Fire Dispatch Detective. 1 Detective. 2 Administration Town Admin. Townwide Fire Ground Fire Alarm Narragansett EMS So. Kingstown EMS Admin. School - DPW Washington County Union Fire Dist. Washington County EMS Washington County Wide Univ. of RI Police Lifeguards Borgata Hotel and Casino, other corporate sponsors and David Schultz Air Shows once again providing air show control and coordination. The 2006 show featured not only The USAF THUNDERBIRDS, but joining them was The USN BLUE ANGELS. It is unusual to have both jet teams at the same venue. In fact, this was the only show site in 2006 that both teams performed together. There was fierce rivalry among the jet teams. The BLUE ANGELS performed first at noon followed by the THUNDERBIRDS three hours later. As the THUNDERBIRDS entered showcenter, from behind the crowd, they were heard saying on the radio, “We dedicate this show to all those BLUE ANGEL fans on the beach that are about to be converted.” An additional show headliner was the much anticipated performance by the newest stealth jet fighter in the USAF inventory, the F-22 RAPTOR. The RAPTOR’s performance left the crowd in utter amazement! Other military demonstrations included the USAF F-16 East Coast Team and F-15E Strike Eagle Team, and the US Coast Guard with a multi-ship HH-65 and HH-60 Search and Rescue demonstration. The system is being expanded to include the Northern part of the state. The City of Providence will have there own 800 MHz. digital trunking system in the near future. More info in the future as the system expands. Elmer Stanley MILITARY Daniel Myers KB3IBQ 823 Horsham Rd. Horsham, Pa 19044-1209 [email protected] Atlantic City Beachfront Air Show “Never before in the State of New Jersey has an air show been more anticipated……….” Well, I could not have said it better myself! We had been looking forward to the 2006 show since the conclusion of the 2005 show. When we saw the line-up for 2006 anticipation and excitement only began to describe it! "Thunder over the Boardwalk", is a cooperative effort th between the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the 177 Fighter Wing (New Jersey Air National Guard), The SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Air Boss David Schultz consults with The Blue Angels Flight Surgeon about the correct positioning of the Coast Guard Vessel anchored just off shore that marks show center. Prior to an air show, the Blue Angels conduct Circle and the Arrival (sight survey) maneuvers calling out reference landmarks. The Flight Surgeon records these for use at the pilots brief. As in past years, there was local military participation with th fly-bys by the 177 Fighter Wing of the NJ Air National Guard F-16s, a Convair 580 and Boeing 727 from the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center, all located at nearby Atlantic City International Airport. Joining them, simulating aerial refueling, was a KC-135 from the 108th Air Refueling Wing and KC-10 as well as a C-17, both from McGuire AFB’s 514th Air Mobility Wing. Other East Coast military bases supported the air show with fly-bys by a Dover AFB C-5B Galaxy, and a P-3C Orion and MH-60S Knighthawk from NAS Patuxent River, MD. Still other military performers included the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, for the first time over the Atlantic City Boardwalk, as well as PAGE 5 the USAF Heritage Flight that included a QF-4 Phantom II. Jumps were performed by the US Army team The Golden Knights. Along with several civilian acts there was a very exciting two ship demonstration by New Jersey State police helicopters. I queried Air Boss David Schultz as to the limited number of passes by each aircraft. He replied, “I believe that in the 12 years our company has done air shows, we’ve listened pretty well to the air show fans. Being fans ourselves, we still want something new and something grand at each one of our events. Usually due to timing, we only have one or two passes. Some USAF regulations only allow for one pass. Where we have schedule and permission, we’ll get more passes out of them.” 2006 marked the fourth year for this beachfront show. The genesis for the show was to celebrate the opening of the Borgata Hotel and Casino in 2003. The Thunderbirds jet team, with their Las Vegas, NV connection, was a natural selection as the lead headliner. It is unusual not only to have a show located remotely away from an airport, but also to have a mid-week show. David Schultz informs me the reason for the Wednesday show is simple; “Atlantic City wants to draw folks into the city during the week. Weekends are already swamped and they want to have more business during the week. Also, the Borgata, other casinos, Chamber of Commerce and other corporate sponsorship will only work with us during the week.” The Borgata is the lead sponsor for the event, however as the show has grown, other corporate sponsors have seen the advantage in supporting the show. This was quite evident with the addition of corporate sponsored tents on the beach. Schultz continued, “Paid seating on the beach was the idea of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce to help pay the expenses for the show. Having the show during the week, we get more folks on the beach than during the normal weekday. The air show definitely does increase boardwalk business. It is not only the locals enjoying the show; but feedback indicates tourists come to the event from some distances. Added for 2006, was a block party and downtown concert to keep folks in the city after the show.” Schultz also told me that as long as the show continues to take place mid-week; The Thunderbirds will always remain the lead headliner. As one can imagine there is a lot preparation and coordination for an event of this size. There are several permits to be obtained; one is from the State of Jersey for an aerial event license. David Schultz says, “The folks from the Philadelphia FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) come down more to enjoy the show and beach scenery rather than regulate the air show. We have a very good working relationship with them. Additionally TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) are required to be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event. The waiver has the same timeline. These are filed in late May. It is not really difficult as we work with Washington and New York Centers, and Atlantic City approach/tower. In some cases we have more TFRs active than the President at any SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 given time. These folks know me and our company name very well.” Schultz also told me his company sends NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) to all area local airports, FBOs and tow-banner companies. I asked David if he gets any noise complaints from the community. He told me, “Every show gets noise complaints. This show gets relatively few. Most are associated with the Sunday arrival more than during the show itself. We just answer the phone with the reply that, ‘That is the Sound of Freedom… Enjoy it!’” Blues Angels personnel on the Atlantic City beach during the Tuesday practice. Pictured are the Flight Surgeon (holding the large spotlight), the Maintenance Officer (holding the mirror) and Video. Air Boss Schultz looks on. The Comm Cart is located at show center. The spotlight and mirror are used to direct the jets during hazy conditions. All Blue Angel performances including the practice are video taped with radio transmissions. th Other cooperative efforts come from the 177 FW and the US Coast Guard. David Schultz Air Shows works with the th 177 FW throughout the year. “They are very happy to be a major part of the event. They are some of the best folks in the world to work with and are great friends. From hangar space, fueling, and ramp services, to operational support, they love doing this event.” Schultz starts working with the Coast Guard about six months out from the event days to work on boat placement, sterile aerobatic box issues, diver boats, rescue boats, and also their SAR th demos during the show. “Like the 177 , we work with them (Coast Guard) throughout the year on other events and venues and they love being a part of it.” During the show days, Coast Guard stations Cape Cod, MA and Elizabeth City, NC also participate. Due to the nature of a beach show, there is probably more coordination required not only as a “remote” air show but you have water assets to orchestrate as well. During the show, The David Schultz Air Show Team has to be split between the beach and airport, making precise coordination essential. With a 52 line item schedule the show was on-time +/- 2 minutes for the entire 6 hours! From a Military Monitoring stand point, I have found Atlantic City second only to Virginia Beach. With nearby PAGE 6 military facilities; Atlantic City International Airport, McGuire AFB, Warren Grove Gunnery Range and The Coast Guard there is lots of activity for the military monitor to listen to. GIANT KILLER Control has several warnings areas immediately off the coast. Here you can listen to AWACS, simulated dog fights and aerial refueling. Most of the performing aircraft take-off and return to Atlantic City International Airport or McGuire AFB. Others will fly in from other distant military bases. You can monitor the show aircraft as they depart from these bases or monitor Atlantic City Approach Control and the Centers. All aircraft will check in with the Air Boss for entrance into the “showbox”. Sunday and Monday show arrivals as well as the Tuesday practice show also offer other great monitoring opportunities. I have been traveling to and watching air shows for almost 30 years. I have to honestly say the 2006 Atlantic City Air Show was one of the top flying air shows I have seen. It was non-stop flying of both military and civilian aircraft. I think one of the nicest attributes of this air show is the environment. In these days of heighten security at civilian airports and military bases, a beach show is a welcomed refreshing relaxed change. One can bring along a cooler and backpack, and not have to worry about being hassled by security. While almost all air shows take place at military or civilian airports, this show takes place in the relaxed atmosphere on the beach beside the ocean. The beach, ocean, boardwalk stores and casinos offer something for nearly everyone. If your spouse or children are not interested in spending the entire time watching the air show, there are plenty of other activities to keep them busy. It is truly a family event and the best part, it’s all FREE! Air Show Center is located beachfront near Florida Avenue and the Boardwalk. We are again excited and are looking forward to the 2007 air show which takes place Wednesday August 15. Practice day is Tuesday August 14. What are the future prospects for this show? Schultz told me they want to keep this a major military review type event. The air show may start to incorporate some sea activities in a few years but they want to keep the major push on air demonstrations. As word spreads about this show, attendance continues to increase: 400,000 in 2004, 450,000 in 2005 and 650,000 in 2006. The Chamber of Commerce informed me they are ecstatic with this event! Business owners along the boardwalk, the casinos, hotels and restaurants all reported business comparable to a good weekend. That is great news for those of us that want to continue to enjoy two days at the beach watching a First Class Air Show! For more information check out: www.atlanticcityairshow.com or www.schultzairshows.com As of this writing, David Schultz informs us, this will be the roster for the 2007 Air Show. SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Flybys: Demos: USAF Thunderbirds USAF C-5 USAF F-15E Strike Eagle USAF KC-10 USAF F-16 Falcon (East Coast) USAF C-17 Jim Beasley P-51 USAF-ANG EC-130J USAF Heritage Flight (F-15 / P-51) USAF-ANG A-10 US Army Golden Knights USAF-ANG F-16 US Navy F/A-18C Hornet (East Coast) USAF-ANG KC-135 USMC AV-8B Harrier II (East Coast) FAA Bombardier USCG Multiple SAR Demo US Navy MH-53 Matt Chapman Solo USMC CH-46 Mike Mancuso Solo USAF B-2A Matt Chapman & Mike Mancuso (2-ship) NJ State Police Rob Holland MX-2 Horizon Blue Cross Blimp SkyTypers Frequencies for the 2007 (and past) Atlantic City Air Show Published Published (centers) 120.300 KACY Tower 354.000 ZNY Barnegat 124.600 KACY Approach / Departure 307.800 ZNY Colts Neck 134.250 KACY Approach / Departure 381.450 ZNY Millville 239.000 KACY Tower 323.300 ZNY Millville 327.125 KACY Approach / Departure 353.500 ZNY Ship Bottom 385.500 KACY Approach / Departure 254.300 ZDC Coyle 316.150 KACY Approach / Departure 281.450 ZDC Sea Isle 123.000 UNICOM Bader Field (KAIY) 363.000 ZDC Woodstown 363.800 KWRI Approach / Departure 285.400 ZDC Sea Isle 388.200 KWRI Approach Air Show Control 118.700 David Schultz Air Shows - GROUND OPS 121.700 Show Control Coordination w/ KACY 132.950 David Schultz Air Shows - OPS 135.650 David Schultz Air Shows - AIR BOSS 238.150 David Schultz Air Shows - AIR BOSS Tactical Discretes 122.775 SkyTypers a/a 123.150 announcer live feed 123.450 NJ State Police helo demo a/a 123.475 Army Golden Knights a/g 136.475 VIPER F-16 East demo a/a (heritage flight) 136.575 VIPER F-16 East demo a/a 136.675 VIPER F-16 East demo a/a 138.125 DEVIL NJ ANG F-16 a/a (ops) 138.425 DEVIL NJ ANG F-16 a/a 138.875 DEVIL NJ ANG F-16 a/a (v-17) 139.300 DEVIL NJ ANG F-16 a/a 139.825 TEAM KC-10 a/a 143.875 TEAM KC-10 a/a 142.250 FLYER PA ANG A-10 a/a 157.150 Coast Guard SAR demo a/a 237.900 Coast Guard SAR demo a/a (secondary) 252.800 KC-135 / KC-10 a/a 261.000 DEVIL NJ ANG F-16 (ops) 376.025 F-15 East / F-16 East demo 395.100 USAF PA ANG EC-130J (BATON ops) 388.850 USAF B-2 a/a (SPIRIT, REAPER, DEATH, FURY) US Coast Guard 21A- 157.050 (show control / show center boats) 22A- 157.100 (warning broadcasts) 23A- 157.150 (show control / show center boats) 81A- 157.075 (police) 82A- 157.125 PAGE 7 83A- 157.175 (boats to show center) 345.000 Coast Guard Ops (primary) Other Actives 122.750 Para-gliders a/a 133.300 Banner Towers a/a (reported by others) 255.000 GIANT KILLER 249.800 GIANT KILLER 312.300 GIANT KILLER 391.200 GIANT KILLER 312.300 DARKSTAR w/ DEVIL 319.400 McGuire Command Post 303.000 108th ARW ROCCO (KC-135) 256.500 266.500 288.000 341.750 Aerial Refueling Aerial Refueling Aerial Refueling Aerial Refueling NEW HAMPSHIRE John Bolduc c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] http://www.swnh.org New Hampshire Marine Patrol operates on both 159.150 and 854.4875 (PL 151.4) in various combinations over recent history. Many scanner listeners are expression frustration over the fact that they can now only hear dispatch and not the patrol units. It used to be that both mobile traffic and dispatch was repeated on the 800 MHz side. Nowadays dispatch is heard only on 854.4875 and mobile units are on simplex on 159.150. While the 854 MHz transmitter is located on a high vantage point, simplex operation on 159.150 for the boats does not make it to scanner listeners very far away. Hampton NH - Hampton Beach State Park State Parks Primary Channel State Parks Secondary Channel State Parks Secondary Channel 159.375 No PL 159.465 131.8 151.385. 154.145 136.5 155.025 P-25. Londonderry NH - Stonyfield Yogurt (Stonyfield Farms) Manufactures Yogurt. Radios Used To Coordinate Daily Assembly Line, Warehouse, Shipping, Receiving, Maintenance And Security Work Ops. WQFQ769 461.1500 462.3250 New Hampshire International Speedway holds two major NASCAR races every year. The first one of 2007 was just completed, with another to follow later this year. The races generally attract 100,000 race fans. Thanks to Scott Rice N1PJZ for these frequencies NHIS Primary System Thunderbirds 141.850 (v-1) 143.850 (v-2) 235.250 (u-1) 322.950 (u-2) 216.975 (simulcast on Low Power Radio) Hampton Fire Hampton Police 464.850 is very active. I've been told this is probably an onsite LTR system, and I suspect this is correct, but as of yet, I haven't confirmed this. Only the 461.850 and 464.850 frequencies show input pairs at plus 5 MHz. If you listen to The Southern Maine Fire buffs out of York County in a Manchester NH area location, you will be dismayed by the heavy traffic from the yogurt factory interfering with reception of the fire buffs. 461.7875 464.8500 461.8500 SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 1 - 461.4875 2 - 466.4875 3 - 464.9875 4 - 464.3625 5 - 469.3625 6 - 467.8625 7 - 469.9375 8 - 464.9625 9 - 467.8125 10 - 469.4625 11 - 462.1750 12 - 451.4750 13 - 461.5625 14 - 463.0000 15 - 463.9000 16 - 454.9125 d172 Security d261 Maint/Elect d172 Grandstand Security d261 Guest Services d172 Food Warehouse d261 Marketing d172 Operations Infield d261 Souvenirs - Concessions d172 Food Service d261 Hospitality 127.3 Parking & Security d162 Parking Lot Repeater d226 Handicapped Shuttle d223 Cleaning (Freshly Maid) d315 Unassigned d532 Parking Command (2005/6 Inactive) Secondary System-Other freqs 451.9250 d047 is the new Grandstand EMS freq. 452.4000 d662 1 EMS/Police - Main/Concord/Laconia Grandstands 465.8250 123.0 2 Secondary Operations 452.3000 d606 3 EMS Grandstands 469.9250 4 EMS ?? 464.2125 d265 5 Gate M (media) & Souvenirs 461.8625 d071 Hospitality-Infield 451.2875 d226 Handicapped Shuttle 464.3750 100.0 Harts Turkey Farm 1 Box Seats 464.8250 100.0 Harts Turkey Farm 2 Outside Tents 152.3750 d503 Ch-1 Brigham Air Ops 157.6650 d503 Ch-2 Brigham Air Ops 123.0500 No PL Air to Air/Any Helo 133.650 & 119.85 FAA Air Traffic 172.1500 p25 FAA TSA Air Traffic (NH State Police) 155.5125 p-25 Track Ops (158.9025 input) 156.0900 136.5 LP South 155.9100 136.5 LP North 155.4750 136.5 Statewide Car to Car 159.3150 p-25 SP Talk 159.4650 p-25 F & G Talk PAGE 8 Department of Transportation NH DOT Race Channels 453.7750 203.5 Mobile 1 458.7750 203.5 Mobile 2 453.9750 186.2 SA Mt. Kearsarge, Warner 453.6750 103.5 5A Mt. Kearsarge, Warner 453.9750 88.5 SG Mt. Belknap, Gilford 453.1500 110.9 3G Mt. Belknap, Gilford 453.9250 167.9 TC Mt. Unconoonuc, Goffstown 453.6750 123.0 5C Mt. Unconoonuc, Goffstown 453.9250 127.3 TB Hackett Hill, Bow 453.6750 110.9 5B Hackett Hill, Bow Manchester Airport – Fire-Crash-Rescue unit. Photo courtesy of John Bolduc NORTHERN NEW JERSEY (Above) Photo of the radio channel listings direct from the Motorola HT-1000 for Litchfield NH Fire-rescue (Below) Photo of Engine Zero from Bryceville FL. Photos courtesy of John Bolduc Justin Mattes KC2GIK 10 Carnot Avenue Woodcliff Lake NJ 07677 [email protected] www.bergenscanner.com First let me wish you all a belated happy Fourth of July! There have been some exciting things going on in the Garden State this summer which make for some interesting scanner listening. One of the most popular places to go to escape the summer heat is the Wildwoods. Located in Cape May County the townships of Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest offer plenty of monitoring opportunities to keep scanner buffs busy for hours. I went down to Cape May this past spring and while it wasn't as busy as in the summer months, there was still plenty of action. Cape May also provides a lot of marine activity so be sure to program in those marine channels as well Below is a list of frequencies I found active during my trip down to the cape. CAPE MAY COUNTY 155.1900 Capecom 154.7850 Sheriff Dispatch 155.0100 Sheriff Car-to-Car 156.2100 Police Common 158.8200 DPW 171.2375 US Coast Guard Fire 154.1300 [118.8] Fire 1 154.1900 [118.8] Fire 2 154.2500 [118.8] Fire 3 154.2650 Fire 4 155.2950 [118.8] Rescue 1 155.3400 [118.8] Rescue 2 155.0100 [118.8] Rescue 3 154.6800 [131.8] SPEN1 155.4750 [CSQ] SPEN2 154.7250 [131.8] SPEN3 153.7850 [131.8 SPEN4 (Common between agencies) SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 PAGE 9 WILDWOODS 154.9650 [85.4] Wildwood Police 158.7900 Wildwood Local Government 154.1900 Wildwood Fire Dispatch 154.0250 Wildwood Fire Ch. 4 155.7900 [85.4] Wildwood EMS 156.1800 [118.8] Wildwood Road Department 155.6400 [173.8] North Wildwood Police 154.2500 [118.8] North Wildwood Fire Operations 166.2500 [118.8] North Wildwood Fire Operations 158.7600 North Wildwood Local Government 155.4300 [118.8] Wildwood Crest Police 151.1300 [D125] Wildwood Crest Fire Operations 155.2950 [118.8] Wildwood Crest Rescue Besides the normal police, fire and EMS traffic, Morey’s Pier Amusement park in Wildwood offers some unique behind the scenes operations. Below are some frequencies used at the pier MOREYS PIER AMUSEMENT PARK 152.4650 [94.8] Administration and Supervisors 153.0200 [D546] Maintenance and Security 151.6550 [156.7] Operations 154.5050 [D546 Operations - Food and Games 152.3000 [156.7] Operations - Rides 151.5950 [156.7] Water Park 153.0050 Water Park - Lifeguards OCEAN COUNTY Like Cape May County, Ocean County is a popular Jersey Shore hot spot. From Seaside to Toms River scanning is boom during the summer months. Here are the latest finds for the county. 508.1875 [71.9] Fire/EMS Dispatch 511.1875 [127.3] Fireground 1 465.5875 [192.8] Fireground 2 506.7125 [D445] Tuckerton Repeater Tower 506.7375 [D223] Barnegat Repeater Tower 506.7625 [D445] Toms River Repeater Tower 506.7375 [D445] New Egypt Repeater Tower 506.7125 [D223] Lakewood Repeater Tower 154.2650 [CSQ] Fire Mutual Aid/South Jersey Fire Net 506.71250 [D223] Fire/EMS - Lakewood (Bay Head, Mantoloking Primary) 453.10000 [100.0] Fire/EMS Academy 453.87500 [136.5] Fire/EMS Academy 453.92500 [159.8] Fire/EMS Academy 453.97500 [177.3] Fire/EMS Academy 154.96500 [127.3] Fire Marshal's Office / Emergency Operations Center (EOC) LONG BEACH ISLAND 158.7525 [D031] Fire Islandwide 1 Dispatch 158.8350 [D243] Fire Islandwide 2 Primary Ops to County 158.7300 [D306] Fire Islandwide 3 Secondary Ops to Co. 159.7650 [D243] Ch 4 Fireground Primary 155.1600 [D243] Ch 5 Fireground Secondary SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 155.2350 155.3500 155.3850 151.1000 453.6625 [D503] Ch 6 Water Operations [71.9] Squad 12 Primary Operations [D503] Squad 14 Primary Operations [D516] Squad 49 Primary Operations [D243 Island Inter-Operations Seaside Heights and Seaside Park are other popular beach communities in Ocean County New Jersey, there's always something to do in the summer. It's always a good idea to keep a scanner while you're laying or the beach or strolling on the boardwalk. SEASIDE HEIGHTS 460.0250 [D116] Parking Enforcement 460.3500 [D116] Police 465.5750 [D712] Ch 1 Beach Patrol 453.0125 [D712] Ch 2 Beach Patrol 453.2125 [D712] Ch 3 Beach Patrol 453.7750 [CSQ] Ch 4 33.7800 [CSQ] Fire Dispatch 33.6400 [CSQ] Fireground 33.4800 [CSQ] Fire- Drills and Parades SEASIDE PARK 33.7800 [146.2] Fire Dispatch 33.9800 [146.2] Fireground 460.2250 [D664] Police 460.1750 [D664] Police 458.4375 [D664] Police 155.1750 [107.2] Beach Patrol 39.9000 [127.3] City Services VENICE AMUSEMENTS 151.9250 [179.9] Boardwalk Operations/Beach Attendants 151.8350 [D731] Concessions 151.7150 [146.2] Go karts 151.6850 [156.7] Maintenance 151.7450 [100.0] Rides Toms River Police recently went to a digital system so you need a scanner that's APCO-25 compatible to listen in. TOMS RIVER 471.8750 [APCO-25] Ch 1 Police Dispatch 471.4750 [APCO-25] Ch 2 Police Secondary/Info 471.9500 [APCO-25] Ch 3 Park Rangers, Animal Control, Auxiliary Police 472.6750 [APCO-25] Ch4 Major Incidents 471.6750 [APCO-25] Ch5 Police Emergency Service Unit (ESU) 453.7125 [APCO-25] 154.14500 [D245] Ch 1 Fire Dispatch/Operations 154.44500 [D624] Ch 2 Fireground / Fire Inspections 154.19000 [136.5] Ch 3 Fireground / Fire Police 154.26500 CSQ Ch 4 Fire Statewide Mutual Aid (South Jersey Fire-Net) 154.14500 [D245] Ch 5 Fireground / Talk-Around 155.65500 [114.8] Ch 6 Bureau of Fire Prevention (Inspections) 155.65500 [114.8] Ch 7 Fire Talk-Around PAGE 10 JACKSON TOWNSHIP 507.3375 [D432] Ch 1 Fire "TAC 1" Operations 506.5875 [D243] Fire "Tac 2" Operations 510.5875 [D143] Fireground A 511.5875 [D152] Fireground B 511.8375 [D155] Fireground C 507.0875 [D343] EMS "Tac 1" Dispatch and MONOC BLS Operations (units 820 and 821) FM 155.2350 [186.2] EMS MONOC ALS Operations 155.1600 [100.0] Board of Education - Buses 158.7450 Public Works 458.43750 Emergency Management SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE AMUSEMENT PARK 464.32500 [179.9] 1 Safari 464.42500 [179.9] 2 Grounds and Shows 464.67500 [179.9] 4 Security / Fire and EMS 462.67500 ?? 5 Operations 464.82500 [179.9] 7 Fire and EMS 464.97500 [179.9] 10 Rides and Maintenance 452.97500 [D346] Hurricane Harbor 461.77500 Retail 462.72500 [179.9] Great Adventure 464.62500 [179.9] Park Talk-Around Some additional information on the new CT SPEN statewide radio network on 858.2625 MHz PL 156.7. Sites are located at the following: 1. Bloomfield-Region 2. Brooklyn-Region 3. Canaan-Region 4. Colchester-Region 5. Franklin-Region 6. Guilford-Region 7. Kent-Region 8. Montville-Region 9. Norfolk-Region 10. North Stonington-Region 11. Old Lyme-Region 12. Rocky Hill-Region 13. Sharon-Region 14. Shelton-Region 15. Southbury-Region 16. Torrington-Region 17. Union-Region 18. Wilton-Region 19. Wolcott-Region 3-Hartford County 4-Windham County 5-Litchfield County 4-New London County 4-New London County 2-New Haven County 5-Litchfield County 4-New London County 5-Litchfield County 4-New London County 4-New London County 3-Hartford County 5-Litchfield County 1-Fairfield County 5-Litchfield County 5-Litchfield County 4-Tolland County 1-Fairfield County 2-New Haven County This is presently where the radio frequency is licensed. POINT PLEASANT BEACH 155.8200 [94.8] Fire (Simulcast of 476.3500) 476.3500 [CSQ] Fire Dispatch 477.0250 [D155] Fireground 477.8250 [D051] Fire Channel 3 476.9250 [D125] DPW 151.8800 [D205] Jekisons Beach Patrol 466.2125 [D023] Residen's Beach Patrol The New Beacon Falls radio system: Well that's it from New Jersey for this time!! I hope everyone has a relaxing summer. Please e-mail me with any suggestions or questions, if you have ideas for future installments of this column. Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 East Granby Fire Ops Town Highway Area 3 EMA Suffield Fire Channel 5 Channel 6 Bradley Fire Southwick Fire Channel 7 Intercity Fire Channel 8 Tactical Repeater Channel 9 Windsor Locks Fire Channel 10 Channel 11 Channel 12 Channel 13 VHF Calling STOCS – 1 STOCS – 2 STOCS – 3 Blue Hills Fire Weather 1 (RX) Weather 2 (RX) Weather 3 (RX) COMPUTER - SOFTWARE Mike Agner KA3JJZ 112 Water Fountain Way #304 Glen Burnie, Md. 21060-2309 [email protected] Sorry no column this issue. CONNECTICUT Keith Victor 44 Suffolk Drive East Hartford CT 06118 [email protected] The new CT SPEN is being optimizing as we speak on 858.2625 MHz PL 156.7. This will be a statewide repeater system, repeaters will be simulcast, and all repeaters will be on. This system is co-located with all of the state police radio sites. More on when the sop's come out.... SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Fire Repeater EMS Repeater Police Repeater 151.0325 MHz PL 67.0 151.0475 MHz PL 77.0 151.0070 MHz PL 88.5 EAST GRANBY FIRE DEPARTMENT RADIO FREQUENCIES 159.2550 154.0400 153.9350 156.0750 151.4300 159.9000 159.1950 150.7975 154.2650 159.7950 153.1400 158.3250 170.1500 154.0100 151.2200 162.4750 162.4000 162.5500 155.7525 154.4525 158.7375 159.4725 206.5 91.5 162.2 D134 206.5 D162 107.2 94.8 146.2 D025 156.7 156.7 156.7 156.7 SOUTH HADLEY MOBILE FIRE RADIO CHANNELS 1. 153.2750/159.9975 2. 151.2800 PL 74.4 FIRE DISPATCH-S PL 141.3 FIREGROUND-S PAGE 11 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 151.1750/159.3300 151.1750 158.8725 154.2800 155.0400/159.9150 155.0400/159.9150 PL 141.3 PL 141.3 PL 127.3 PL 82.5 PL 114.8 PL 114.8 9. 159.6450/153.9500 10. 155.6550/159.4650 11. 154.1600/158.8650 12. 151.3850/159.3000 13. 154.2200/159.2550 14. 156.0525/159.3675 15. 151.3100 16. 154.3700 17. 153.8900 18. 159.5100 19. 153.2750 PL 74.4 PL 123.0 PL 141.3 PL 186.2 PL 82.5 DPL 054 PL 71.9 PL 127.3 PL 127.3 PL 103.5 PL 74.4 NEW UHF ADDED: 1. 453/458.4125 2. 461.1500 3. 464/469.3750 DISTRICT 1 REPEATER-S DISTRICT 1 DIRECT COUNTY TACTICAL-S INTERCITY FIRE-S GRANBY FIRE-S GRANBY FD BACKUP (127.3) HOLYOKE FIRE-S HOLYOKE TACTICAL CHICOPEE FIRE-S AMHERST FIRE-S NORTHAMPTON FIRE-S HADLEY FIRE-S DNR FIRE TOWERS-S HAMPSHIRE COUNTY-S COUNTY FIREGROUND-S HIGHWAY DEPT DISTRICT 2 DIRECT PL 82.5 INTERCITY FIRE REPEATER PL 103.5 MT HOLYOKE SECURITY PL 114.8 MT HOLYOKE COLLEGE PORTABLE RADIO CHANNELS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16 153.2750/159.9975 151.2800 151.1750/159.3300 158.8725 154.2800 155.0400/159.9150 155.0400/159.9150 159.6450/153.9500 155.6550/159.4650 154.3700 153.8900 151.3850/159.3000 154.2200/159.2550 151.3100 156.0525/159.3675 153.2750 MASSACHUSETTS PL 74.4 PL 141.3 PL 141.3 PL 127.3 PL 82.5 PL 114.8 PL 127.2 PL 74.4 PL 123.0 PL 127.3 PL 127.3 PL 186.2 PL 82.5 PL 71.9 DPL 054 PL 74.4 Dispatch-S A-Direct Fireground-S B-Repeat District 1-S C-Scan County Tactical-S Intercity Fire Granby Fire-S Granby Fire Backup Holyoke Fire 1 Holyoke Fire 2 County Fire County Fireground Amherst Fire Northampton Fire DEM Towers Hadley Fire Direct-S Peter Szerlag c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Greetings again. Here are a few scanner tidbits for you. 42.64 - skip from Missouri Highway Patrol - 8AM - 08 July 2007 482.3625R - West Newbury Police - "Control" is the dispatcher - 303 is one of the patrol units 463.6875R may become a Wentworth Institute Police channel 452.50R - Acton Boxboro High School plans to use this frequency Suttons Schools plan to use 462.0125R at 383 Boston Road 483.6625R - Randolph FD does a weekly radio test at 0840 AM on Saturday mornings 461.3125R - 464.4875R - 461.9875R - MIT maintenance workers - emergency alerts are broadcast on all channels simultaneously (fire alarms, CO detector activations, etc) 453.3875R - Fire District 14 - Ashland is the Control Point - daily radio test at 830AM - this test is simulcast on 33.98 and 46.36 - most of the agencies seem to be transmitting on UHF now 464.325R - Brigham and Womens Hospital Security - a "Code Red" is a fire alarm system activation 460.80R - Boston MedFlight - Med 1 is a Hascom helo Med 2 is also a Hanscom helo - Med 3 is the Plymouth helo - Med 4 is the plane - Med 5 is the Boston ambulance - Med 6 is the Plymouth ambulance - each unit seems to have 3 portable radios (Med 1 Pilot Med 1 Nurse - Med 1 Paramedic - etc) For the 4th of July celebration at the Boston Esplanade, 866.5125 + 460.275 + Cambridge TG Ch6 were patched together to form a "Command and Control Network". Boston Police, Boston Fire, Boston EMS, Cambridge Police, Cambridge Fire, Cambridge EOC, State Police, State Rangers, and National Guard were all represented on the Net. Event organizers used 463.55 extensively for several days. 453.75R - This is the new fire mutual aid channel for northern Worcester County. Fitchburg runs a daily test at 9AM 462.975R - Voice traffic on this channel (the primary channel for Boston EMS) is tremendously decreased with most of the status messages now being sent digitally. All calls are announced, however arrival times and transport times are not. 155.22 - transport units for children in Watertown area 156.80 - SeaTow Rescue 1, Quincy Harbormaster, US Coast Guard Sector Boston, and US Coast Guard Station Point Allerton are some of the units heard 461.20R - possibly the ambulance service that now covers Ipswich is using this freq SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 460.05 - Worcester FD is now reportedly simulcasting on this channel 173.5875 - someone was talking to "Chief 2" - probably PAGE 12 Hanscom AFB FD Boston Edison uses 158.16 PL179.9 in the Boston area Take Care & Happy Scanning - Peter S I usually reply to all Emails. If you do not receive a reply from me, please try again. SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK Frank B. O'Connor c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Greetings, fellow scannists. Happy Mother's Day to all qualified ladies and happy Father's Day to all qualified gentlemen. Back in Issue 38 I listed a tentative channel plan for a West Haverstraw (Rockland) Fire Department base radio. As you recall, there were questions regarding the Congers FD portion of the channel plan (F13 and 14). Someone passed along the following information: a) Channel 13, listed as "Dept 3 XBand 1," with an unknown frequency, should read 453.2625 (131.8). b) There was a question as to whether or not there is a "Dept 3 XBand 2." Indeed there is; it's 453.6375 (131.8). c) Channel 14, listed as "Dept 3 XBand 3 453.2625 (131.8)" should instead read 453.7125 (131.8). It's remains unclear what the frequencies are used for and whether or not there is an X-Band 4 (or more). I probably should have covered this in my first article, but a recent wave of confusion on one of the scanning related bulletin boards I lurk around has prompted me to dispense with this Issue's "What You'll Hear" and instead use this space to clear the air about certain radio-related terms and their meanings. Unless I know how an agency is already identifying their channels / talkgroups (in which case I will use their terminology), I will use the specific terms below when describing a channel's usage: *"Dispatch"* This is a channel or talkgroup that is used to notify a given agency that there is a call for service that they are to answer. In the volunteer sector this channel maybe called "Alerting" or "Paging" and may be used to send audible tones to activate pagers and whistles, open firehouse bay doors, and / or turn on recording devices. In some larger departments ( i.e. FDNY), initial dispatch takes place via a station computer / teleprinter system which can be backed up by a voice alarm system (basically an intercom system that connects each firehouse to its respective Communications Office). In cases when an SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 assigned unit is not in their quarters and is out in the field, they can get their calls verbally over the radio and / or over their mobile digital terminal, if so equipped. EXAMPLE: "Control to Company 1 Engine and Ladder, Company 2 Engine, and Company 3 Rescue – respond to twelve thirty four Main Street, that's one two three four Main Street, crosses are Elm Avenue and Broadway for a report of smoke in the building. Your time is xx:yy" *"Operations"* This is the channel / talkgroup that responding units will call enroute to the scene, arriving at the scene, clearing the scene (if EMS related, then enroute to a hospital), returning to quarters, and back in quarters. Initial instructions to incoming units may be provided on an operations channel by units already on scene (i.e.: a second assistant chief). As with "Dispatch" above, in larger departments, all of these functions may be handled digitally via an entry into a mobile computer or by the activation of a status button that will automatically transmit a digital message to the comm center indicating that a unit is responding, is arriving, etc. EXAMPLE "Engine 1 to Control" "Control is on, Engine 1" "Engine 1 responding" "Received Engine 1, you're responding at xx:yy hours" *"Fireground"* / *"Tactical"* This is the channel / talkgroup that is used by units operating at the scene of an emergency. While "Fireground" obviously is related to the fire service, "Tactical" could be used in the fire, EMS, or law enforcement services. Sometimes referred to as a "Scene" channel. It is not uncommon for busier agencies to have more then one Tactical or Fireground channel, to allow for on-scene communications at multiple, simultaneous events. EXAMPLE: "EMS 2 to Main Street EMS Command, where do you want me to stage this unit?" "EMS 2 put yourself on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway – on the Broadway side." "EMS 2 read." There are also a large number of specialized types of channels or talkgroups. Among them would be: *"Command"* A channel which access is limited to executives within an agency. There can also be channels within an agency's radio plan assigned only for specific units to use, such as "Fire Police," "Detectives," or "Hazardous Materials." Some agency's use of the above identifiers may vary. PAGE 13 "Command," in FDNY*EMS parlance, is simply the simplex modes of their Citywide channels. already existing users – assuming that the current transmitter tower configuration remain unchanged. Readers will recognize at this point that a given frequency maybe used for more then one described function. In cases such as this I'll label the frequencies as, for example, "Dispatch / Operations" or "Operations / primary Fireground." 46.300 is used by everybody surrounding Orange; Putnam as F3, Rockland as F6, Ulster as F3, and Sullivan as F5; so it's unlikely that any base radios will be put up on any towers for that frequency, leaving it purely as a true fireground channel. Got an e-mail from a self described "loyal reader." Instead of translating it, I'll simply cut-and-paste it here... 46.400 is used by Sussex County, NJ as Fire F2/Fireground 1; thus use in the southwest end of Orange isn't likely. I see that Suffolk also uses the frequency as their Division 5 channel. "Frank, the Orange County Division of Fire Services has expanded it's rank structure in include a Deputy Fire Coordinator for Communications. His radio designation is 36-9. He'll have his hands full as the County Fire Advisory Board recently approved of a significant change to the countywide standard VHF-low band channel plan. The system that the Division of Emergency Communications (36-Control) will migrate to will use the below listed frequencies in a fashion similar to the way Rockland County uses it's seven VHF low band fire channels, e.g. departments, after being toned out, will acknowledge their response to 36-Control on F1. If call volume is low, units will remain on F1 to contact 36-Control. If call volume starts to build, responses can be moved off of F1, at the direction of 36-Control, to any of the nine other designated fireground channels. As you can see, F10 (currently only off the Graham tower) will be the main secondary. As more transmitters are installed at other sites (Arden in Harriman, Mount Beacon in Beacon, Mount Peter in Warwick, West Point in Highlands, Sparrowbush in Deerpark, and the local tower in Chester), we should start to see a pattern as to which channels will be commonly assigned to what battalions throughout the county during busier periods. F1 46.160 (123.0) Primary link to 36-Control F2 46.220 (123.0) Fireground 1 F3 46.300 (123.0) Fireground 2 F4 46.400 (123.0) Fireground 3 / primary helicopter landing zone channel F5 46.120 (123.0) Fireground 4 / primary fire police channel F6 45.080 (123.0) Fireground 5 F7 45.240 (123.0) Fireground 6 F8 46.520 (123.0) Fireground 7 F9 46.460 (123.0) Fireground 8 F10 45.780 (94.8) Secondary link to 36-Control The start date for all of this is set as January 1, so agencies have half a year to make arrangements to get their radios reprogrammed. Any questions, give me a shout... SCANdal" Analyzing the frequencies SCANdal listed above, I can offer the following speculations as to where the new frequencies are likely *not* to be used by 36-Control around Orange, in an effort to prevent interference to SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 46.120 (94.8) is Sullivan's F2 for their Battalion 4, Nassau's 5th, 8 th, and 9th Battalion frequency, and Rockland's F7 / Fire Police (tone 131.8) frequency, making use 46.12 from a base unlikely and, like 46.30, a true fireground channel. 46.460 is Ulster County's Fire F1 (KEH912-to-units) and F2 (unit-to-unit) and Suffolk's F1 (Dispatch), so use of that frequency toward the north and east end of Orange isn't likely. Also, it should be interesting to see how the fire departments who operate fixed crossband links to the VHF low band channels (Cronomer Valley, Montgomery, Otisville, and the Military Academy) will adjust their systems. Needless to say, interesting times are ahead for Orange County fire monitors; as I find anything out I'll keep you posted. I have a question for you. When was the last time you "audited" your scanners? Have you ever wondered to yourself, "Hmm, I haven't heard from x Ambulance Corps in a while"? Well maybe that's because you have their operations channel locked out. An "audit" would prevent that from happening. Every once in a while I go through each scanner one channel at a time and check the frequency / tone / text (if so equipped) information I have programmed in, as well as that channel's settings. Perhaps, while monitoring a large fire, I locked out an uninvolved police agency's dispatch/operations channel when they keyed up with a routine plate check. Maybe during that same fire I turned the delay feature off on a channel that I normally have it activated on because I did not want to lock it out completely - but didn't want it hanging on too long either. With the skip season upon us, a particular frequency may have been locked out due to interference from a distant department one afternoon. Whatever the reason, you may be missing interesting radio traffic and not even know it. While I'm stepping through each channel I also check that what should be set to FM is, what should be set to NFM is, and the same for AM too. Buttons do get pressed inadvertently. How often you do your audit is up to you. If you're like me and are constantly adjusting settings as you are travel around with your scanners, you may need to audit more frequently. On the other hand I know some PAGE 14 fellow scannists who simply turn on their portable scanner when they get home and hear what there is to hear – with the most travel that scanner seeing is being moved from room to room around the house. In that case checking it bi-annually may even be too often. I have no set timetable; I usually find myself doing it when I'm at my monitoring post and things are a bit slow. Helping to prevent missed radio transmissions, all because of an incorrect channel setting, makes it worth your effort to insure that your scanners are actually ready to listen to what you want them to. In closing, I encourage readers to e-mail me with any radio related news (your channels, new unit IDs, anything) within our coverage area – New York State from Ulster and Dutchess counties south. My addresses are listed at the top of the column. I'll pass along the info here for all to enjoy. EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Steve Bower Jr. 9208 Danner Road New Tripoli, Pa. 18066 [email protected] http://lvcomm.proboards33.com/index.cgi Welcome to this edition of the Scanner Digest. Summer is here and almost gone, with the anticipation of our Florida trip coming up in a four weeks and trying to cram other summer activities into the schedule makes the days or weekends of summer seem short. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer days and you are able to take some time off. The business band has been getting thinned out lately. Business band users seem to be using different types of communications i.e.: Nextel or Mobile Data technology. Our facility has just switched to Nextel and left behind our UHF simplex system. To be honest I prefer carrying a twoway radio but no one else does anymore. But yet some users are expanding systems to repeated services that were only simplex. The itinerant frequencies are still found to be used heavy among small business or local restaurants and stores. Below are some entertainment and restaurant users in the Lehigh Valley, Pa: 463.3000R D546 Lehigh Valley Mall 154.6000 94.8 Toys R US – Grape St 467.8125 85.4 JC Penny – LV Mall 464.5000 127.3 Old Country Buffet – Grape St 464.5000 67.0 Applebee’s – Cedarcrest blvd 467.9250 67.0 Applebee’s – Hamilton Blvd 469.5000 D162 Boscov’s – LV Mall 151.6250 67.0 Walmart – Lower Macungie R 151.9550 Walmart Store – Rte. 145 154.6000 192.8 Sun Pac – LV Mall 461.0375 D026 Target Store – Cedarcrest Blvd 466.2875 D032 Target Store – Cedarcrest Blvd 464.5500 67.0 Red Robin – Rte. 248 463.4250R 179.9 South Mall – Lehigh St Whitehall Whitehall Whitehall Whitehall Allentown Trexlertown Whitehall Trexlertown Whitehall Whitehall Allentown Allentown Easton Allentown SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 467.9000 D131 Office Depot – Hamilton by Pass Allentown 154.6000 D413 Wawa– Northeast (regional) Lehigh Valley 151.9550 67.0 Country Junction – Rte.309 Quakertown 154.5150R D025 Quakertown Farm Market (Q-Mart) Quakertown 467.9000 D047 Old Navy – Rte. 145 Whitehall 467.7500 D115 Target Store – Spring Twp Reading 467.7750 D072 Target Store – Spring Twp Reading 461.9125R D606 Promenade Shops – Rte. 309 Center Valley 464.5000 67.0 RAVE Motion Pictures Ch.1 Center Valley 467.7625 67.0 RAVE Motion Pictures Center Valley 467.9250 D743 Victoria Secret Stores – LV Mall Whitehall 461.7750R D606 Fairgrounds Square Mall – Ops Reading 153.3950 94.8 Vanity Fair – Security Reading 152.9450R 94.8 Vanity Fair – Operations Reading 154.5150 94.8 Vanity Fair – Housekeeping Reading 464.6625R D244 Berkshire Mall Reading That is just a taste of what I have listed, lets just say going shopping is not my thing but she doesn’t mind me bringing the scanner along to pass some time. It’s amazing on who uses radios and who doesn’t. Most of these users are not licensed and should be. Any additional information or confirmation would be appreciated. We have a lot of area events coming up in the Lehigh Valley, if you decide to travel check out our web site for additional frequencies or even events like Musikfest – Allentown Fair & even Dorney Park – Wildwater Kingdom are displayed. http://lvcomm.proboards33.com/index.cgi for your safety we request you become a member and don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help looking for something. Have a Great Summer and as always BE SAFE & TAKE CARE! Steve Bower, Jr. VERMONT Jim Lawrence c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Something different this issue; my monitoring experience as I drove from Vermont to Illinois. My Trip to the Midwest During last May and June I traveled from Vermont to the Midwestern states to visit family and see the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. Coincidentally and quite fortunately for your column editor, the two U.S. military demonstration flight teams were appearing within 90 miles of one another on the same weekend. Here's a quick summary of and some comments about my experience monitoring along my route of travel. New York During this trip, I departed from my usual route heading west along the NY State Thruway to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Rather than drive back north to the Thruway from Cooperstown, I decided to head PAGE 15 south on I-88 and then pick up Route 17 across the southern tier of NY. I had all the various troop frequencies for the NY State Police (NYSP) in my scanners but quickly found, once on I-88, that the signal from NYSP repeaters in some areas was very weak. And that's it this time around from Vermont (and points west too)! Submissions to this column are always welcome and appreciated! Please write me at the address shown at the top of this column. I started searching in the VHF-high band range of frequencies and from time to time would hear NYSP units working county sheriff's frequencies for dispatch and motor vehicle information. So the lesson here is for those of you who want to monitor NYSP activity along the southern tier ofNY, be sure to check out the county sheriff's repeaters as well as the published NYSP frequencies. For instance, I heard two NYSP Troop C units talking to Broome Co. on 154.8000 and I caught Troop G units working Schoharie on 155.7300. MAINE On my way back to Vermont, I stayed on the Thruway from the Pennsylvania state line to Fonda, NY and, as usual, the information provided on the alternating frequencies of 453.4250 and 453.5250 was very useful. Pennsylvania I cut across northwestern Pennsylvania in I-90 and spent the night in Erie. No surprises here; Pennsylvania State Police were still working their VHF-high frequencies. However, in Erie I heard control channel noise on 868.6875, 868.4250 and 868.7625. None of my trunk tracker scanners would provide me any information about these control channels. Ohio As I noted during my travels last year, MARCS rules. MARCS is easy to monitor as you drive across Ohio and, with a little planning ahead, you can put all the control channels in your receivers ahead of time. The Ohio Turnpike system continues to use their VHF-high frequencies of 155.6850 and 155.7900. Speed enforcement was very heavy in Ohio with a trooper in the median running radar about every 40 miles. Indiana The big surprise here for me during this trip was Indiana State Police (ISP) units along the Indiana Toll Road using both their VHF frequency of 154.7550 and on the SAFE-T 800 MHz system. This was the first time I'd logged ISP units patrolling the Toll Road on the SAFE-T system. I logged them using talkgroup 12272 on the SAFE-T system. Illinois The new 700 and 800 MHz STARCOM21 trunked system in Illinois is being built and in some locales, such as in the Bloomington-Normal area, there is live traffic on it; in others, all you'll hear are control channels and no voice activity as yet. However, when I visited there, VHF-low and high band still ruled when it comes to monitoring Illinois State Police comms downstate outside the Chicago metropolitan area. SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Loren Fields c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Greetings from Vacationland! We’ll start off this round with some federal tidbits: 167.7125 is STRAPPING in Belfast. Signal was standard encryption, no P-25, PL tone (if any) was suppressed/hidden behind the encryption. Other times, on other machines here in Maine, the tone will come through despite DES. Belfast and mid-coast monitors let us know what else you hear! P-25 (per usual) from the Acadia National Park folks on 164.175R, in the clear. They were running plates and drivers. Tourists have figured out the beauty of this park, and are never disappointed by its appeal. th Prior to the week of the 4 of July, President Bush #43 hosted Vladmir Putin of Russia at Bush #41’s compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. I was only able to make it down to Kennebunkport the day after, so missed the "Maine" event. However, I did hard confirm that Walker's Point USSS detail uses the Baker channel (165.7875) with P-25 in the clear (at least that day.) I suspect there is a repeater there, hidden well, of course. Marine bands were quiet, and I had scanners set up, as follows: *Pro-96 scanning pre-loaded fed stuff, including ISR's *Pro-92 scanning business band in the 450-480 MHz range *Pro-60 scanning UHF/mil-air *Pro-83 scanning marine band *Pro-95 scanning 200 different fed channels *Icom IC-2000H monitoring Maine State Police simplex traffic on 154.935 *Kenwood V7A dual-band scanning assorted VHF-UHF (priority on 156.800 and 157.100, the local USCG "working" channel) *BCT 7 scanning 400-420 MHz; I'm not happy with this rig! *Yaesu VX-7R quad-band handheld with spectrum analyzer as a "frequency confirmer." I was hoping to catch some Ruskies, too. Ah, well. Hopefully Pukin' will come back again before the election (doubt it!) I’ll clear my schedule next time. ****************** PSAP revolt grows: Angry Waterville (ME) officials are considering joining Somerset County's emergency dispatch center in light of Tuesday's votes by the House and Senate to kill a bill that would have allowed Waterville to have its own center. The Legislature in 2003 voted to reduce the PAGE 16 number of public safety answering points -- or PSAPs -- in the state, from 48 to between 16 and 24. Waterville officials say they'd rather sue than force the city to pay more money for regional 911 dispatch service with a Kennebec County center in Augusta. "We don't believe that regionalization should mean increased costs and diminished service -- and that's what this is," City Manager Michael Roy said. "And we are prepared to legally challenge the right of the Regional Communications Center to assess Kennebec County towns for this service. That will be our next approach ... to make them explain why they have that taxing power." At least one town -- Mount Vernon -- has voted to reject the per-capita fee being assessed to pay for the regional dispatch center. Waterville Mayor Paul R. LePage stated in a blunt e-mail sent to legislators and others Wednesday that having Waterville's calls handled at the Regional Communications Center would cost Kennebec County residents a minimum additional $292,785 a year. "This is simply a travesty and I assure you it will be challenged to the full extent possible," LePage's e-mail states. "We already pay a $.50 surcharge on our monthly telephone bill for this service and now we are being told too bad, you lose and will be assessed an additional $2.50 per resident annually for the service. I assure you, not without a fight!!! Talk about taxation without representation, I fail to see where the RCC legislation gives it the power to tax its constituents." Police Chief John E. Morris said he spoke Tuesday with Philip Roy, chairman of Somerset County commissioners, to discuss joining Somerset County Communications' dispatch center. "Initial conversations were favorable," Morris said. Both he and Philip Roy said Somerset has the same kind of equipment Waterville has, making the connection very viable. Waterville spent more than $600,000 to upgrade its dispatching equipment, which officials there say is incompatible with the equipment in Augusta. Waterville currently dispatches for not only the city, but also for Winslow, Oakland and Delta Ambulance. Philip Roy said Somerset can easily accommodate Waterville's calls. "There's no reason why we can't help Waterville," he said. "We want to help Waterville. We want to be good neighbors. Ultimately, we know we can save them money; it's just a matter of how much and what level of service they want." The purpose of consolidation is to provide at least an equivalent service for a lesser cost. But Waterville would get a diminished service at an increased cost if it joins the Regional Communications Center in Augusta, according to Morris. "I think the decision was ill-advised and clearly not motivated by the merits of Waterville's case," Morris said. "It appears to me that the state built the RCC in Augusta without really thinking about who was going to be using it." He noted that Sen. Lisa Marraché, D-Waterville, who SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 sponsored the bill to make Waterville a second PSAP in Kennebec County, as well as Reps. Marilyn Canavan, DWaterville, Pamela J. Trinward, D-Waterville, Jill Conover, D-Oakland and Kenneth Fletcher, R-Winslow, all supported the city's efforts to maintain its own 911 dispatch. "I would hope that someone from the (Public Utilities Commission) or the elected officials involved would have the courtesy and courage to inform the residents of Kennebec County what the advantage is for having to pay increased costs and what the real agenda is," Morris said. The Utilities & Energy Committee in May supported a bill to give Waterville until at least 2009 to join the regional center, but resistance from other lawmakers killed the bill. ************************** Pittsfield PD changed their Primary Freq. to 159.155. The old Freq. of 155.1000 is still used by the FD, Ambulance, Highway & Water Depts. ************************** Portland and South Portland agree to consolidation of 911 call centers: The merger of Portland's and South Portland's operations will be invisible to the public, officials say. The cities of Portland and South Portland have reached a preliminary agreement on combining their emergency 911 call centers. Under the proposal, which recently received tentative approval from both city councils, the two centers in South Portland and Portland will merge into one larger center in Portland by October 2008. The consolidation of the centers, known as Public Safety Answering Point centers, will not affect the personnel or the budgets of the two cities, South Portland Acting City Manager Jim Gailey said Friday. However, the costly specialized software needed for the 911 centers can be removed from the South Portland location, saving considerable money for the state, which funds the 911 hubs. "It's a very hardware- and software-intensive operation," Portland Fire Chief Frederick LaMontagne said. The South Portland dispatch center will continue to operate as an emergency dispatch center, fielding calls from the 911 center. Dispatch centers, which both cities already have, usually direct information from 911 calls to the appropriate police, fire and rescue departments. However, under the reorganization, rather than handling calls for all the departments, the South Portland emergency dispatchers will be in charge of dispatching fire and EMS services, while the Portland emergency center will handle calls for police services. "It's really going to be very seamless," Gailey said. "The citizen or business will not even notice the changeover." He said that giving each city specific personnel to be in charge of dispatching allows for specialization, and therefore more efficiency. Portland Police Chief Tim Burton said the setup has even more advantages in the event of a disaster or major emergency. He said combining forces "enhances our ability to manage our emergency response" over the entire area. PAGE 17 However, both cities will maintain the equipment and personnel needed to operate on their own if necessary, so "in the event one location is compromised, the other will maintain full capability," Burton said. Each city held workshops to discuss the idea. The South Portland City Council gave preliminary approval in early May, Gailey said, and the Portland City Council gave an informal go-ahead after a June 4 workshop. The cities have yet to sign a formal agreement, but Gailey said that's just a technicality. "We're spending money. We're moving on this," he said. The move to consolidate comes after a push by Gov. John Baldacci to regionalize 911 call centers to save money. A state law enacted in 2003 requires the 48 call centers in Maine to drop to between 16 and 24. Each 911 call center must be furnished with special equipment that answers 911 calls and instantly displays information about where the call originated. Maine taxpayers pay for this equipment through a 50-cent surcharge on their telephone bills. Some of the equipment is old and needs to be replaced. To keep the surcharge at 50 cents, many call centers must consolidate. "The city of South Portland was informed it couldn't keep its answering point," LaMontagne said. "We found a lot of common ground between our two municipalities, and we decided our communities could share dispatch points." Editors note: Ironically enough, our out-of-control state legislature just “appropriated” $3 million dollars out of the 911 fund to cover their voracious spending in totally unrelated areas…. ************************** And, finally, here is a picture of the FEMA mobile command post that turned up in York County at the beginning of June 2007 as a result of all the flooding that happened: Until next time, keep the eagle flying free and support our troops. God Bless America, and obey Acts 2:38. OUT HERE. PHILADELPHIA METRO Justin Linn 1864 Wakeling Street Philadelphia, PA 19124 [email protected] www.vipercomusa.cj.net SCANNER MONITORING IN CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Submitted by Creighton Rabs Chester County is one of the fastest growing regions in Pennsylvania. Located west of Philadelphia, has a vast mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments that can, in theory, make scanning the county an interesting experience. However, virtually all Chester County public safety operations operate on an E.F. Johnson LTR Multi-Net system. While LTR Multi-Net systems cannot be trunktracked by any commercially available scanner, the system is monitorable by entering the frequencies in conventional mode. This makes it very difficult to monitor a typical conversation, however at least you’re able to hear something on this system. While all fire companies, EMS squads, and most law enforcement agencies operate on the county TRS, there are a couple of notable exceptions. The West Chester Police Department operates on a 4-channel UHF conventional radio system, built by Motorola. The department recently made the full-time conversion from analog operations to digital operations. Another notable exception is the West Goshen Police Department, which during daytime and early evening weekday hours is selfdispatched; during all other times, this agency is dispatched by Chester County. Most law enforcement agency side channels are now, in effect, use a talk group on the county’s TRS, however, there are still a couple active conventional frequencies that are confirmed to be in use. The same goes for the county’s fire companies; most fire company “private channels” are inactive, though several still remain in use. CHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Your tax dollars at work! One can only wonder the commo that resides inside of this rig. Special “props” go to one of our “eagle-eyed” monitors who is always a wellspring of information. SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 The Chester County Department of Emergency Services operates and maintains a centralized dispatch center in the basement of the Government Services Building, located on Westtown Rd, just outside of West Chester. The DES 9-11 Center had been previously located at the Hazlett PAGE 18 Building, located within West Chester Borough, just north of downtown. The LTR Multi-Net system operated and maintained by the county serves nearly all law enforcement agencies (except for West Chester), all fire departments and EMS squads in Chester County (along with a handful of mutual aid companies in neighboring counties), along with the Chester County Sheriff’s Department, Chester County Detectives, Chester County Park Rangers, and the Chester County Prison. A total of 14 frequencies comprise the active channel rotation, with two of these channels utilized as control channels. While monitoring in conventional mode, it’s best to lock out the two control channels, as most of the traffic that is transmitted is sub-audible noise. Dispatching of law enforcement consists of three separate districts – East (covering townships in the Main Line area), Central (covering an area roughly east of and including the Route 100/Pottstown Pike and Route 202/Wilmington Pike corridors), and West (generally west of Route 100/202). All three law-enforcement dispatch districts have frequencies licensed to simulcast dispatcher only transmissions off the county’s TRS. The East District repeater is currently not active. One possible reason the East Police Repeater is not active is that it is licensed for the same frequencies as one of Lancaster City’s police frequencies and that dispatchers simply are not permitted to use the simulcast feature for that region. The other two dispatch repeaters – Central and West – are still active to allow communications between DES and the Pennsylvania State Police, if needed (though this has been an extremely rare occurrence in recent years). Law enforcement agencies in Chester County are identified with a system similar to that made popular by the Los Angeles Police Department. The identifier consists of “Unit XX (alpha) YY”: The “XX” represents the department’s district identifier. These numbers are assigned to departments based on the county’s municipal numbering system, which is generally used by all county agencies. In the case of regional police agencies, the identifier is the township where the department’s headquarters are located. The county reserves numbers between 1 and 73 for the municipal police departments; units between 75 and 79 are for college-based and school district-based law enforcement agencies. Units in the 80’s are reserved for county Park Rangers and other state conservation or park-based patrol agencies; 90-series identifiers are used by the county-wide based agencies. The “alpha” designator is the officer’s rank or specialized unit (ie. patrol units are “Paul” units, “David” units are detectives, “Adam” units designate the Chief of Police or other supervisory officer in charge, “Boy” units are bike patrol officers, etc.). The irony of the system that the county designed is that even though law enforcement SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 identifiers use the “APCO” phonetic alphabet (Adam, Boy, Charles, David, Edward, etc.) to identify themselves to dispatch, the majority of law enforcement dispatchers use the NATO (or “military”) phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, etc.) as do a large percentage of field officers. The “YY” represents an officer’s specific unit number. In some larger departments, there’s a specific geographic based sector identifier system that indicates what sector an officer is patrolling. In the smaller departments, they can represent either an individual officer or a patrol car unit number. Most of the low priority calls are routed to an officer’s mobile data terminal (MDT) with the only verbal notification being, “Unit XX Paul YY, check your MDT for a parking complaint.” Some departments actually use the MDT’s to notify dispatch of traffic stops and will run license plate information through the MDT rather than tie up the radio channel. For most active incidents, unless an officer indicates otherwise, county will call a unit for status on a regular basis (usually about 5 minutes or so) while an incident is active. All dispatches are done in plain English, eliminating the use of the 10-codes, though some agencies will use these codes occasionally on their respective side channels or talkgroups. Fire and emergency medical services are dispatched together and also operate on an East, Central, and West fire district format. The East District consists of fire stations along the Main Line and West Chester areas; the Central District consists of the Pottstown Pike corridor north of West Chester, along with northern and central parts of the county; the West District consists of the companies in the western and southern parts of the county. EMS calls are dispatched based on whichever district the fire company covers. For example, an EMS squad whose primary area is the East District will operate on the Central District if the call is located in a territory covered by a station operating on Central. There is one paging frequency for fire and EMS services which has a very strong signal that some scanners or other radios can pick up as far north as Northern New Jersey. There are two repeaters associated with the county’s fire service – the East and Central districts share a frequency, which can be very hectic when there are two major incidents going on in the respective districts, while the West district has a separate frequency. Almost all fire companies in Chester County are volunteer with a few paid staffers (usually drivers); most EMS squads are volunteer with paid staff, particularly during the daytime hours. All but a few EMS squads operated under the jurisdiction of local fire companies. Most of these companies provide Basic Life Support service, while a few provide Advanced Life Support services. There are three hospital based ALS services in the county; two other such services disbanded, and had ALS services taken over by PAGE 19 the local fire company-based EMS services. Some fire companies that do not have an ambulance service also provide Quick Response System (QRS) services in their first-due territory. WEST CHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT CONVENTIONAL P-25 SYSTEM The West Chester Police Department is one of only municipal public safety agency that does not operate on the Chester County TRS, nor is dispatched by the county (the other is North Coventry Township Police, which operates on an encrypted talkgroup on the Montgomery County TRS). WCPD operates and maintains a 24-hour dispatch center at the police headquarters, located at the West Chester Borough Hall at Gay and Adams streets. As part of its communications division, the West Chester Police maintain a Motorola 4-channel, conventional UHF system for it’s day-to-day communications. Channels 1 and 2 are paired, as are Channels 3 and 4. Channel 1 is the primary dispatch channel; Channel 2 is the primary simplex talk-around channel; Channel 3 is the secondary dispatch channel; Channel 4 is a talk-around channel that is rarely used, but can be active for some downtown events such as the Restaurant Festival and the Iron Hill Criterium bike race. In December 2006, the West Chester Police began operating it’s radio system in APCO-25 digital mode, however all communications are unencrypted, and are expected to remain so for the long-term future. There have been a few instances where operations have reverted back to analog mode due to reception issues or for mutual-aid purposes. The system’s primary tower is located just west of the borough in East Bradford Township off of Downingtown Pike just east of the West Chester Bypass (Route 322). Additional transmitters are located at the West Chester Borough Hall, Wayne Hall on the West Chester University campus, the Embreeville complex in West Bradford Township, and the Chester County Prison complex in Pocopson Township. There have been some preliminary discussions with Downingtown Borough about adding a transmitter on their tower near the Chester County Intermediate Unit complex on Boot Road, though nothing has been finalized as of yet. The new site would improve communications coverage in the northern portions of East Bradford Township, which part of WCPD’s patrol district. The department operates four regular patrol squads (with shift changes at 06:00 and 18:00), to which a regular dispatcher is normally assigned. In addition to the regular nd squad dispatcher, there is a 2 dispatcher during weekday “normal business hours” (07:00 to 15:00) and most evenings (usually Tuesdays through Saturdays from approximately 15:00 to 23:00 and from 23:00 to 07:00 or later, depending on need). A fifth squad is usually in service Wednesdays through Saturdays during evening SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 and overnight hours to deal with calls related quality of life issues related to the borough’s numerous bars and restaurants and in high priority neighborhoods. The department uses the same identifier system as the rest of the county, with a couple of modifications. Additionally, the department uses the 10-codes that were phased out in the rest of the county. WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT It could be said that the West Goshen Township Police has it both ways when it comes to dispatching and communications systems. West Goshen self-dispatches its police department between 07:00 and 23:00 Monday through Friday; at all other times, Chester County DES dispatches the department over the Central Police district. At times, it can be a challenge determining where to find West Goshen on the radio. Sometimes, the department operates on its own licensed VHF-High Band frequency; other times they use the county TRS. There seems to be no logic behind usage of the VHF frequency. Another quirk is that while officers are split into two squads (06:00-18:00 and 18:00-06:00), dispatchers on duty work from 07:00-15:00 and 15:00-23:00. Also, while West Goshen officers use two digit identifiers, they actually correspond to badge numbers as opposed to geographic sectors, as is the case with other large departments (such as Tredyffrin or West Chester). OTHER CONVENTIONAL FREQUENCIES For the most part, most of the frequencies licensed to municipalities that were used by police departments in the county are no longer active. In some cases, usage has simply ceased, while other townships have turned over the channels to their respective roads departments. During winter months, however, some of the township channels do become very active. On the police side, only two departments are confirmed to operate over conventional channels for talk-around – Downingtown Borough (VHF-High) and Uwchlan Township (UHF). The Uwchlan repeater carries a pretty strong signal, coming in clearly as far south as the Chester/Delaware County line near Chadds Ford; conversely, Downingtown’s channel can only be heard as far away as the western-most portions of West Whiteland Township (Exton area). A few fire companies continue to use their private frequencies, the spectrum of which can vary from VHF-Low Band to 800 mhz conventional. For the most part, however, a lot of fire companies utilize the “FD-1” simplex channel licensed to the county for fireground operations, at least where multiple companies are responding. This particular channel is often referred to as “71”, which appears to be the channel assignment in a county issued portable. PAGE 20 Outside the realm of the county’s public safety sector, there are a few channels in conventional mode that are available to monitor. The Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, located in Caln Township, maintains VHF-High Band frequencies in the federal range (160 mhz). The VA Police Department (77-units on the county system) operates in P-25 mode full time; depending on the individual officer, mobiles can be encrypted, however the dispatch always seems to operate in the clear. The VAMC Fire Department (Station 76) operates on at least 1 VHF-High Band channel for internal operations, but does respond on the county TRS for mutual aid assignments (generally to assist Station 38 – Thorndale). There is also at least one active VHF-High Band channel used by maintenance personnel at the hospital. Sky Flight Care (aka SkyCare), an air-medical provider based at the Brandywine Hospital in Caln, operates off of three channels – a UHF repeater for primary operations, a VHF-High repeater for secondary operations, and a VHFHigh channel for communications between SkyCare base and hospital security. SkyCare’s first-due territory includes most of northern, western, and southern Chester County, the Pottstown area in Montgomery Coutny, the Morgantown area of Berks County, and the eastern and central portions of Lancaster County. At times, reception is spotty from a few miles west of the hospital, but is generally pretty good. Another public safety channel of note is the West Chester University Public Safety (police) Department (75-units), which presently operates on a VHF-High repeater. While WCU Police can access the county trunk system for mutual aid (West Chester Borough police can reach WCU Police on the VHF channel), use of the county system is virtually non-existent. Additionally, there were plans for WCUPD to migrate over to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Starnet state-wide OpenSky radio system, meaning the days of monitoring this particular agency may be numbered. However, there are also plans by the University to upgrade to a UHF repeater system, either for the police department or maintenance. As noted earlier, the Pennsylvania State Police stations in Chester County – located in London Grove Township (Avondale) and West Bradford Township (Embreeville) – can, in theory, communicate with the county police dispatchers through the existing Central and West police district channels, but have not done so for at least the past couple of years. PSP stations in Chester County continue to use their assigned VHF frequencies, pending a move to Starnet. PSP Avondale – which covers the southern part of the county – operates on PSP “B” Channel, a duplex pairing with separate base and mobile frequencies, while PSP Embreeville operates on “G” Channel, where base and mobile units operate on the same frequency. SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 Additionally, PSP units operating on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s District 4 (between the Morgantown exit in Berks County and the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line) continue to operate on their respective VHF channels (at least for the foreseeable future). The District 4 repeater is strong enough to be heard into parts of New Castle County, Delaware – not to mention parts of Chester County that are nowhere near the Turnpike proper. FREQUENCIES OF NOTE CHESTER COUNTY TRS SIMULCAST (enter all frequencies in the order listed, locking out the control channels) 866.0625 868.1125 868.2625 856.2375 866.1250 866.2125 866.7500 860.4375 860.2375 866.2125* 866.8625 867.3250 866.3875* 858.2375 (*) – Control channels (sub-audible noise when other channels are active) Chester County DES Repeaters (Police repeaters simulcast dispatch only) 154.7000 – East Police Dispatch (71.9 pl) 154.7850 – Central Police Dispatch (71.9 pl) 155.7600 – West Police Dispatch (71.9 pl) 160.1850 – Fire/EMS Paging (CSQ) 159.6000 – East/Central Fire (CSQ) 159.7350 – West Fire (CSQ) MUNICIPAL CONVENTIONAL FREQUENCIES (Confirmed Active) 158.8200 – Caln Township Roads (71.9 pl) 860.9625 – Chester County Sheriff’s Office (100.0 pl – Simulcast from TRS) 158.8050 – Downingtown Police Talk-around (71.9 pl) 159.1425 – East Bradford Township Roads (156.7 pl) 151.1150 – East Marlborough Township Roads (151.4 pl) 500.3875 – East Pikeland Township Roads (97.4 pl) 155.0850 – East Whiteland Township Roads (71.9 pl) 151.0850 – Pocopson Township Roads (DPL 025) 500.6625 – Uwchlan Township Police Talk-around (131.8 pl) 500.9625 – Uwchlan Township Roads (146.2 pl) 156.2400 – West Caln Township Roads (186.2 pl) 500.4125 – West Chester Police F-1 (P-25/97.4 pl) 500.4125 – West Chester Police F-2 (P-25/97.4 pl – Simplex) 500.5125 – West Chester Police F-3 (P-25/97.4 pl) 500.5125 – West Chester Police F-4 (P-25/97.4 pl – Simplex) 48.4000 – West Chester Public Works (156.7 pl) 158.7450 – West Goshen Township Police Dispatch/Talkaround (71.9 pl) 46.5200 – West Goshen Township Roads (123.0 pl) 500.4375 – West Whiteland Township Roads (127.3 pl) PAGE 21 FIRE COMPANY FREQUENCIES (confirmed active) 154.3100 – Downingtown Fire Department (71.9 pl) 154.2950 – East Whiteland Fire Company 154.0700 – Goshen Fire Company 155.8875 – Goshen Fire Company (DPL 731) 453.3875 – Longwood Fire Company (DPL 025) 154.3775 – Westwood Fire Company OTHER NOTABLE FREQUENCIES 155.2350 – Sky FlightCare Dispatch (77.0 pl) 451.0250 – Sky FlightCare Operations (123.0 pl) 155.3250 – Sky FlightCare/Brandywine Hospital (67.0 pl) 165.4250 – VA Medical Center Police (P-25 – mixed clear and encrypted) 166.1375 – VA Medical Center Fire Department (173.8 pl) 166.7150 – VA Medical Center Maintenance (156.7 pl) POLICE DEPARTMENTS ON THE COUNTY TRS (By Dispatch District) EAST DISTRICT 02 – Malvern Borough 42 – East Whiteland Township 43 – Tredyffrin Township 54 – Willistown Township 55 – Easttown Township CENTRAL DISTRICT 01 – West Chester Borough (self-dispatched at all times) 14 – Spring City Borough 15 – Phoenixville Borough 17 – North Coventry Township (dispatched by Pottstown on Montgomery County TRS) 18 – East Coventry Township 21 – East Vincent Township 25 – West Vincent Township 26 – East Pikeland Township 27 – Schuylkill Township 32 – Upper Uwchlan Township 33 – Uwchlan Township 34 – West Pikeland Township 41 – West Whiteland Township 52 – West Goshen Township (self-dispatched except for overnights and weekends) 65 – Birmingham Township 67 – Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police 75 – West Chester University (self-dispatched, but does have access to system on Central PD) WEST DISTRICT 03 – Kennett Square Borough 04 – Parkesburg Police units assigned to Avondale Borough 05 – West Grove Borough 06 – Oxford Borough SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 07 – Parkesburg Police units assigned to Atglen Borough 08 – Parkesburg Police units assigned to Parkesburg Borough 09 – South Coatesville Borough 11 – Downingtown Borough 12 – Parkesburg Police units assigned to Honey Brook Borough 16 – Coatesville City 28 – West Caln Township 29 – West Brandywine Township 30 – Brandywine Regional Police (East Brandywine and Wallace Townships) 36 – West Sadsbury Township 37 – Sadsbury Township 38 – Valley Township 39 – Caln Township 44 – West Fallowfield Township 45 – Parkesburg Police units assigned to Highland Twp. 47 – East Fallowfield Township 60 – New Garden Township 61 – East Marlborough Township 62 – Kennett Township (department slated to go in service later this year or early next year) 76 – Lincoln University Police (self-dispatched, does have access to CAD system, but unknown use of TRS) 77 – Coatesville VA Medical Center Police (self-dispatched but has access to TRS on West PD) 79 – Coatesville Area School District Police COUNTY-WIDE AGENCIES 81 – Pennsylvania Fish & Game Commission 82 – Marsh Creek State Park Rangers 83 – Warwick County Park Rangers 84 – Hibernia County Park Rangers 85 – Nottingham County Park Rangers 86 – Springton Manor Farm Park Rangers 91 – Chester County Detectives 92 – Chester County District Attorney 93 – Chester County Sheriff’s Office 94 – Chester County Prison FIRE/EMS AGENCIES ON COUNTY TRS (by Dispatch District) EAST DISTRICT 2 – Berwyn 3 – Paoli 4 – Malvern 5 – East Whiteland 51 – First West Chester 52 – Goodwill/West Chester 53 – Fame/West Chester 54 – Goshen (main station) 55 – Good Fellowship Ambulance 56 – Goshen (sub-station) 58 – West Chester University QRS 91 – Chester County Hospital ALS PAGE 22 CENTRAL DISTRICT 6 – West Whiteland 33 – Honey Brook 45 – Alert/Downingtown 46 – Minquas/Downingtown 47 – Lionville 48 – Glenmoore 49 – East Brandywine 61 – Kimberton 62 – Ridge 63 – Liberty/Spring City 64 – North Coventry 65 – Phoenix/Phoenixville 66 – Friendship/Phoenixville 67 – West End/Phoenixville 167 – West End EMS/East Vincent sub-station 68 – Valley Forge 69 – Twin Valley 72 – Spring-Ford Rescue Squad 73 – Ludwig’s Corner 74 – Upper Uwchlan QRS 87 – Uwchlan Ambulance 89 – Elverson EMS WEST DISTRICT 12 – West Grove (New London sub-station) 21 – Union/Oxford 22 – West Grove (main station) 23 – Avondale 24 – Kennett 25 – Longwood 26 – Atglen 27 – Cochranville 28 – Parkesburg 29 – Pomeroy 31 – Sadsburyville 34 – Martin’s Corner 35 – Wagontown 36 – Po-Mar-Lin 37 – Modena 38 – Thorndale 39 – West Bradford (main station) 139 – West Bradford (sub-station) 41 – Washington/Coatesville 43 – West End/Coatesville 44 – Westwood 75 – Lukens Steel/ISG Plate 76 – Coatesville VA Fire Department 93 – Brandywine Hospital ALS 94 – Southern Chester County EMS COUNTY-WIDE FIRE-RESCUE AGENCIES 11 – Department of Emergency Services/Fire Training 13 – American Red Cross 15 – Chester County Haz-Mat 77 – Chester County Dive-Rescue Team SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 MUTUAL AID UNITS FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTIES WHICH ACCESS TRS (Not a fully-inclusive list; these are the companies that are frequently on the TRS) BERKS COUNTY 24 – Geigertown 680 – Southern Berks EMS DELAWARE COUNTY 15 – Radnor 41 – Newtown Square 59 – Concordville 64 – Edgmont LANCASTER COUNTY 3-4 – Churchtown 3-6 – Goodville 4-9 – White Horse 5-1 – Bart Township 5-2 – Christiana 5-13 – Robert Fulton 7-7-9 – Susquehanna Valley EMS MONTGOMERY COUNTY 41 – North Penn Canteen Service 47 – King of Prussia 51 – Linfield 55 – Mont Clare 57 – West End (Stowe) 58 – Sanatoga 63 – Oaks 69 – Pottstown Fire Department 84 – Humane/Royersford 85 – Friendship/Royersford 317 – Lafayette Ambulance (King of Prussia) 322 – Lower Providence Ambulance 324 – Trappe Ambulance 325 – Friendship Fire Co. EMS/Royersford 329 – Goodwill Ambulance/Pottstown NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DELAWARE 19 – Hockessin CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND 3/4/14 – Elkton 8/18/28 – Rising Sun ------------------------------------------------ Chester County PA Live Feed by Steve Snyder KB3FSR To the scanner listeners, I have setup a live audio feed for Chester County, PA . I have been doing some work on getting a Uniden trunk tracker scanner to track and follow the comms on the EF Johnson Multi-Net Trunked System. I PAGE 23 was able to do this with some add-on's to the Scanner. Log in on the Team Speak Audio Feed Software and look for PA - Chester County (RM) Channel Feed. The radio Is programmed with police and fire talkgroups. And also interops channels and I-Tac channels. The scanner is setup to scan all talkgroups that have been programmed into the scanner. Log in and enjoy. Let me know what you think of the Audio Feed Events 1-10 These Channels are analog 800mhz and do not require a digital scanner. 73 All. 13100 13120 13121 13142 13130 13140 13221 13101 13122 13123 13144 13131 13140 13221 13102 13124 13125 13146 13132 13140 13222 13031 13032 13151 13154 13150 13152 13153 13155 13037 Steve. KB3FSR Don’t have an E.F. Johnson LTR Multi-Net system capable scanner? Well look no further. Below is information received by Steve Snyder KB3FSR from Paoli, Pennsylvania. This is an updated TG list for Fire and Police. Steve also has set up a live feed that includes a good mix of communications emanating from Chester County, PA. http://www.incidentbroadcast.com/index.php Once on the site’s main page look on the left-hand column under main menu for information about Teamspeak. This will give you information about Teamspeak, how to download Teamspeak2 and finally how to set it up properly. Here's the information posted directly on the Teamspeak2’s server. Once set up look as it lists a feed for Chester County. Channel: PA - Chester County Topic: Full Time Feed User in channel: 3/100 Codec: Speex 12.3 Kbit Description: Broadcasting live public service radio traffic from Chester County, PA. This feed covers all police and fire departments in Chester County on their EF Johnson 800 MHz Multi-Net II Trunked System. The live audio that you hear is not from a scanner, but from a radio that is made exclusively for use with a Multi-Net Trunked system. Includes all PD Dispatch and Police Dept., and Fire Dispatch and Fire Dept. talkgroups You will also hear the Medics talking to the Hospital for Medical Command. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Description: This feed monitors Montgomery County, PA Fire Dept.'s Digital 800MHz TRS. All Companies in Region 5 are now on the 800MHz Trunked Radio System. North East Montgomery Dispatch Regions 3-6 These Channels are all Digital SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 CHESTER COUNTY FIRE TALKGROUPS EF JOHNSON MULTI-NET II TRUNKED SYSTEM TG ID RADIO DISPLAY DESCRIPTION EAST-FIRE EAST FIRE DISPATCH EFG-1 EAST FIRE GROUND -1 EFG-2 EAST FIRE GROUND -2 E-MA EAST MUTUAL AID E-TAC EAST TACTICAL MA-AC EAST MUTUAL AID ALL CALL EMERG EAST EMERGENCY ENT-FIRE ENTRAL FIRE DISPATCH CFG-1 CENTRAL FIRE GROUND -1 CFG-2 CENTRAL FIRE GROUND -2 C-MA CENTRAL MUTUAL AID C-TAC CENTRAL TACTICAL MA-AC CENTRAL MUTUAL AID ALL CALL EMERG CENTRAL EMERGENCY WEST-FIRE WEST FIRE DISPATCH WFG-1 WEST FIRE GROUND -1 WFG-2 WEST FIRE GROUND -2 W-MA WEST MUTUAL AID W-TAC WEST TACTICAL MA-AC WEST MUTUAL AID ALL CALL EMERG WEST EMERGENCY HAZMT CHESTER COUNTY HAZMAT TEAM FMARS CHESTER COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL P-M-H PAOLI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL P-V-H PHOENIXVILLE HOSPITAL C-C-H CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL BWH BRANDYWINE HOSPITAL S-C-C SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY MED CTR B-M-H BRYN MAWR HOSPITAL DIVE CHESTER CO. DIVER RESCUE TEAM CHESTER COUNTY POLICE TALKGROUPS EF JOHNSON MULTI-NET II TRUNKED SYSTEM TG ID 13050 13060 13061 13074 13075 13142 13070 13221 13051 13062 13063 13064 13065 10144 13071 13221 13052 13066 13067 13068 13069 RADIO DISPLAY DESCRIPTION EAST-DISP EAST POLICE DISPATCH EPG-1 EAST POLICE GROUP - 1 EPG-2 EAST POLICE GROUP - 2 EPG-3 EAST POLICE GROUP - 3 EPG-4 EAST POLICE GROUP - 4 E-MA EAST MUTUAL AID E-TAC EAST TACTICAL EMERG EAST EMERGENCY CENT - DISP CENTRAL POLICE DISPATCH CPG-1 CENTRAL POLICE GROUP -1 CPG-2 CENTRAL POLICE GROUP -2 CPG-3 CENTRAL POLICE GROUP -3 CPG-4 CENTRAL POLICE GROUP -4 C-MA CENTRAL MUTUAL AID C-TAC CENTRAL TACTICAL EMERG CENTRAL EMERGENCY WEST - DISP WEST POLICE DISPATCH WPG-1 WEST POLICE GROUP -1 WPG-2 WEST POLICE GROUP -2 WPG-3 WEST POLICE GROUP -3 WPG-4 WEST POLICE GROUP -4 PAGE 24 W-MA 13071 13222 13090 13035 13020 13021 13030 13091 13092 13093 WEST W-TAC EMERG NATPL SHERF CCDSP DES-L DES-ADMIN INFO-E INFO-C INFO-W MUTUAL AID WEST TACTICAL WEST EMERGENCY NATIONAL POLICE (Patch to 155.475) CHESTER COUNTY SHERIFF DEP'T CHESTER COUNTY DES DISPATCH CHESTER COUNTY DES LOCAL CHESTER COUNTY DES ADMIN CHESTER COUNTY INFO EAST CHESTER CO. INFO CENTRAL CHESTER CO. INFO WEST WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Dan Ruhe c/o Scanner Digest POB 207 Jamison PA 18929 [email protected] Sorry no column this issue. ScannerDigest Newsletter Welcome to the Scanner Digest Newsletter! We’re currently publishing a bi-monthly e-magazine containing information for the scanner hobbyist. If it can be monitored on a scanner, we’ll attempt to cover it from 30 to 1300 MHz and beyond! Our purpose is to produce a newsletter to facilitate the exchange of information pertaining to the various services covered by a typical scanner radio. Dedicated regional column editors make up the heart of this publication. The Scanner Digest Newsletter is not responsible for the accuracy or consequences incurred regarding the use of information listed in this publication. Since the purpose of this newsletter is to provide a platform for the submission and exchange of radio communication information, it thus becomes impossible to deem all contents as accurate. The very nature of radio licensing and usage makes it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information contained within. Generally information listed within the pages of the newsletter are derived from multiply sources including current FCC files, hobbyists and those directly involved with various public safety agencies. Scanner Digest’s policy has been not to limit or edit the individual columns submitted, unless we deem the information sensitive in nature which may jeopardize the safety of the parties involved. Only in this case will we edit out this type of input. (Example: We will not publish the frequencies used by a law enforcement surveillance team.) Naturally the comments of the various column editors are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Scanner Digest Newsletter. All materials, maps, information, photographs submitted to a regional column editor or to Scanner Digest directly, become sole property of the Scanner Digest Newsletter. We encourage and will make every effort to give proper credit to all submissions. All contents within are copyrighted. 2003-2007 Subscription Information Subscriptions are acknowledged via email. Currently Scanner Digest Newsletter produces six (6) issues per year but plan to be a monthly publication in the very near future. Newsletters will be emailed to subscribers to via an attachment. The attached document will be in the popular Adobe Acrobat PDF file. By accepting these terms you are made aware of the consequences of opening such attachments. We will scan each outgoing email with an anti-virus tool to minimize any possibility of transmitting an infectious message. Email inquiries write to: [email protected] Mail to: SCANNER DIGEST NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40 ScannerDigest Newsletter POB 207 Jamison PA 18929-0207 PAGE 25
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