As I mentioned yesterday, Jerry, W4SGA is running a temporary Echolink setup for the 146.700 repeater from his home. The node will be active, for the time being, when Jerry is home and able to keep an eye on things. Once it runs well for an extended period of time it will be active more often. To access it, look for W4SGA-R on Echolink.
Thanks to Jerry as well as Dan, KF4MND, Ryan, AJ4MY, and Guy, K4GTM for their work yesterday in getting things off the ground.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
30 December 2008
Second USB to Serial Interface and ID Tracker
I picked up a second USB to Serial Interface cable this morning so that I can run more than one DB9 equipped device. I've been switching the first interface back and forth between the scanners and the FT-897D. Now I can leave the first one on the FT-897D to run Ham Radio Deluxe for it and use the second to use ID Tracker and programming software with the 780's, the 796, and the portable scanners.
I blogged about this quite awhile back I think, but it's worth going back over again; ID Tracker is a great little program. You can log and record talkgroups or frequencies from various scanners, assisting in finding and IDing new talkgroups and frequencie. You can get more information on both ID Tracker and ID Tracker II here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I blogged about this quite awhile back I think, but it's worth going back over again; ID Tracker is a great little program. You can log and record talkgroups or frequencies from various scanners, assisting in finding and IDing new talkgroups and frequencie. You can get more information on both ID Tracker and ID Tracker II here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
29 December 2008
Echolink via 146.700 Repeater
Jerry, W4SGA, Dan, KF4MND, Guy, K4GTM, and Ryan AJ4MY have been working on getting an Echolink node up and running on the 146.700 repeater this afternoon. The equipment is located at Jerry's house; while they've been there working on the equipment I've been here assisting with signal checks, DTMF tests etc.
Earlier this afternoon, the node was successfully linked with Terry, KB5V in Tuscon, AZ. Audio checks went well and DTMF sequences to bring up and drop the link were tested successfully.
Keep an ear out for future activity. If testing goes well and the setup is approved by the Coastal Amateur Radio Society, there could be an active Echolink node in Savannah soon.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Earlier this afternoon, the node was successfully linked with Terry, KB5V in Tuscon, AZ. Audio checks went well and DTMF sequences to bring up and drop the link were tested successfully.
Keep an ear out for future activity. If testing goes well and the setup is approved by the Coastal Amateur Radio Society, there could be an active Echolink node in Savannah soon.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
East Ship Island QSL Card
Back in October, I worked East Ship Island in Mississippi when the Magnolia DX Association activated it. W5S activated East Ship Island as IOTA NA082, US Island MS009S, and as lighthouse USA-756. Today, the QSL card from K5S arrived in the mail; it is a very nice folding card with photos of the island and operation along with information on the Ship Islands inside:
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
26 December 2008
Echolink
This day after Christmas, I went out and picked up a microphone headset for the computer and installed Echolink on the computer. After making some adjustments to the wireless router, I was able to get the software up and running. I connected to Dan Scott, KF4MND's node to try out and things were working good except for low transmit audio. After a bit, I found a microphone boost setting in the computer's audio settings; after turning it on Dan gave me a good audio report.
The microphone headset I bought is a Plantronics from Staples. I've tried it on the radios just as headphones and it works good as just a headset as well.
For the time being, I'm just running Echolink via the computer. Once I get a soundcard interface for the radio, I'll start running a temporary Echolink node at times. Hopefull that will develop over the next couple of months.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Savannah, GA
The microphone headset I bought is a Plantronics from Staples. I've tried it on the radios just as headphones and it works good as just a headset as well.
For the time being, I'm just running Echolink via the computer. Once I get a soundcard interface for the radio, I'll start running a temporary Echolink node at times. Hopefull that will develop over the next couple of months.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Savannah, GA
21 December 2008
Boar's Nest LFE
Last week, there was a Large Force Exercise (LFE) utilizing Townsend Range and SEALORD's offshore operating areas. Some of the aircraft checking in for the exercise referred to it as "Boar's Nest." Among the participants were F/A-18s from MCAS Beaufort, F-5s from VMFT-401, a B-52 from the 2nd Bomb Wing, a P-3 from VP-45, Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACS), and the ground radar units MACS-2 and 117th Air Control Squadron. I didn't get the chance to monitor much except for Tuesday and Wednesday and there were weather issues both days. With air-to-air and air-to-ground combat aspects to the exercise, it made for very interesting monitoring.
350.675 - N. TACTS Range Discrete
-encrypted traffic
-ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
-STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16 ACCS)
-DOOM 92 (B-52, 2 BW)
-PELICAN (P-3C, VP-45)
-SPARTA 01/02 (A-10, 23 FG)
-CLETUS
228.400 - Townsend Range
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-BANJO (JTAC)
-DOOM 92
-SPARTA 0#; 143.600 a2a
252.900 - Townsend Range
-DOOM 92
-SPARTA 0#
-VENOM (JTAC, 165 ASOS)
335.975
-STRIKESTAR
-DOOM 92
-BENGAL 4# (F/A-18DD, VMFA-224); 250.300 Tac 1
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
-ALLEYCAT wkg EAGLE 01
318.300 - JSTARS Discrete?
-ALLEYCAT wkg sim assets) for tasking
-STRIKESTAR
341.750 - JSTARS Discrete
-STRIKESTAR
-PELICAN
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-CLETUS
364.200 - AICC
-encrypted traffic
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-DOOM 92
-DEUCE (MACS-2)
-STEALTH (117 ACS)
120.950 - SEALORD North Primary
-FLASH 01 (KC-135)
284.500 - SEALORD North Primary
-TBOLT 51/52 (F/A-18C, VMFA-251); 290.000 Tac 1, 327.475 Tac 2
-TBOLT 53 (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
-BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224); 250.300 Tac 1
-SNIPER 4# (F-5, VMFT-401); 318.350 Tac
267.500 - SEALORD South Primary
-LN 452 (P-3C, VP-45)
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
-SNIPER 4#
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
-BOLT 51/52 wkg DEUCE
-BENGAL 4#
-DOOM 92
327.400 - Aerial Refueling
-TBOLT 5# AR with FLASH 01
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
350.675 - N. TACTS Range Discrete
-encrypted traffic
-ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
-STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16 ACCS)
-DOOM 92 (B-52, 2 BW)
-PELICAN (P-3C, VP-45)
-SPARTA 01/02 (A-10, 23 FG)
-CLETUS
228.400 - Townsend Range
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-BANJO (JTAC)
-DOOM 92
-SPARTA 0#; 143.600 a2a
252.900 - Townsend Range
-DOOM 92
-SPARTA 0#
-VENOM (JTAC, 165 ASOS)
335.975
-STRIKESTAR
-DOOM 92
-BENGAL 4# (F/A-18DD, VMFA-224); 250.300 Tac 1
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
-ALLEYCAT wkg EAGLE 01
318.300 - JSTARS Discrete?
-ALLEYCAT wkg sim assets) for tasking
-STRIKESTAR
341.750 - JSTARS Discrete
-STRIKESTAR
-PELICAN
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-CLETUS
364.200 - AICC
-encrypted traffic
-ALLEYCAT
-STRIKESTAR
-DOOM 92
-DEUCE (MACS-2)
-STEALTH (117 ACS)
120.950 - SEALORD North Primary
-FLASH 01 (KC-135)
284.500 - SEALORD North Primary
-TBOLT 51/52 (F/A-18C, VMFA-251); 290.000 Tac 1, 327.475 Tac 2
-TBOLT 53 (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
-BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224); 250.300 Tac 1
-SNIPER 4# (F-5, VMFT-401); 318.350 Tac
267.500 - SEALORD South Primary
-LN 452 (P-3C, VP-45)
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
-SNIPER 4#
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
-BOLT 51/52 wkg DEUCE
-BENGAL 4#
-DOOM 92
327.400 - Aerial Refueling
-TBOLT 5# AR with FLASH 01
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 December 2008
Note: 3-17 CAV's OH-58s have finally arrived and have been flying in the Hunter AAF and Fort Stewart area.
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
30.300 - 4-3 AVN
51.500 - 4-3 AVN
77.725 - 224th MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
51.050 - Helicopter Common
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS (New)
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25300 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35399 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35401 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35404 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26271 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24749 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 30955 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30966 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 40053 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50005 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50015 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26478 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26521 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27039 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH_60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27068 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26410 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 252 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
NAVY JV 834 (C-40, VR-58)
PAT 802
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
138.050 - 165th AW
225.050 - 165th AW
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VMFA(AW)-533 Base
289.275 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 2
305.800 - VMFT-401 Base?
268.300 - VMFT-401 Tac
300.550 - VMFT-401 Tac
313.850 - VMFT-401 Tac
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
SNIPER ## (F-5, VMFT-401)
Charleston AFB
306.925 - Charleston App/Dep
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - Charleston AFB PTD
340.600 - 437th/315th AW) air-to-air
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
BASCO ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
IMPAC ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW
FAME ## (C-21)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS Ops "TIGER OPS"
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 79th FS air-to-air
LUCID ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
POKER ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
BEAST (## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
BRONCO ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
BULL ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
DEADLY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
JAKE ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
MADCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
PROWL ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
SLASH ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
SNEAKY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
141.925 - 169th FW V17
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
COIL ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330 CTS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
339.700 - SEALORD Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
301.000 - S. TACTS Range
350.000 - S. TACTS Range
381.875 - S. TACTS Range
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BACKY ## (KC-135, 916 ARW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
GRUMMAN 0# (E-2C, Grumman Test)
NAVY LN 452 (P-3C, VP-45)
PISTON ## (KC-135, 6th AMW/927th ARW)
POPS ## (A-10, 23 FG)
SENTRY 6# (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
WARDOG (A-10, unknown unit)
311.000 - ACC Command Post
371.350 - CRPW-11 Base
260.900 - NORAD Discrete
277.800 - USN Fleet Common
324.600 - AR-207
364.000 - Grumman Test?
142.700 - WARDOG A-10 air-to-air
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
30.300 - 4-3 AVN
51.500 - 4-3 AVN
77.725 - 224th MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
51.050 - Helicopter Common
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS (New)
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25300 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35399 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35401 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35404 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26271 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24749 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 30955 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30966 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 40053 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50005 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50015 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26478 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26521 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27039 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH_60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27068 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26410 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 252 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
NAVY JV 834 (C-40, VR-58)
PAT 802
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
138.050 - 165th AW
225.050 - 165th AW
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VMFA(AW)-533 Base
289.275 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 2
305.800 - VMFT-401 Base?
268.300 - VMFT-401 Tac
300.550 - VMFT-401 Tac
313.850 - VMFT-401 Tac
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
SNIPER ## (F-5, VMFT-401)
Charleston AFB
306.925 - Charleston App/Dep
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - Charleston AFB PTD
340.600 - 437th/315th AW) air-to-air
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
BASCO ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
IMPAC ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW
FAME ## (C-21)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS Ops "TIGER OPS"
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 79th FS air-to-air
LUCID ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
POKER ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
BEAST (## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
BRONCO ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
BULL ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
DEADLY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
JAKE ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
MADCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
PROWL ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
SLASH ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
SNEAKY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
141.925 - 169th FW V17
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
COIL ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330 CTS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
339.700 - SEALORD Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
301.000 - S. TACTS Range
350.000 - S. TACTS Range
381.875 - S. TACTS Range
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BACKY ## (KC-135, 916 ARW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
GRUMMAN 0# (E-2C, Grumman Test)
NAVY LN 452 (P-3C, VP-45)
PISTON ## (KC-135, 6th AMW/927th ARW)
POPS ## (A-10, 23 FG)
SENTRY 6# (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
WARDOG (A-10, unknown unit)
311.000 - ACC Command Post
371.350 - CRPW-11 Base
260.900 - NORAD Discrete
277.800 - USN Fleet Common
324.600 - AR-207
364.000 - Grumman Test?
142.700 - WARDOG A-10 air-to-air
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
19 December 2008
More CARS Repeater News
Yesterday brought more news on the Coastal Amateur Radio Society repeaters. First the good news: The new antenna for the 146.700 repeater is up, enhancing it's performance. This was done yesterday after the new antenna for the 442.700 repeater was installed. Now the bad news: the 147.210 repeater is off the air until further notice due to interference issues. It has apparently been contributing toward interference to other signals, so it has been turned off until those issues can be addressed.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
17 December 2008
442.700 Repeater on the Air With the New Antenna
The new antenna is on the 442.700 repeater. Dan, KF4MND was able to hit it from Long County on 5 watts from his fixed station and I was able to hit it from inside the house here in midtown Savannah with an HT.
This repeater should have an excellent coverage area now that it has a proper antenna up!
Thanks to Lowell, N4ZLJ and his crew for the work out at the tower site. From what Lowell says, the 146.700's new antenna should be up sometime tomorrow.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
This repeater should have an excellent coverage area now that it has a proper antenna up!
Thanks to Lowell, N4ZLJ and his crew for the work out at the tower site. From what Lowell says, the 146.700's new antenna should be up sometime tomorrow.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
16 December 2008
Shack Reorganization
Yesterday, I reoganized the radio shack/monitoring post in an effort to clean things up a bit and fit in some new computer equipment. I bought a newer computer to run Ham Radio Deluxe and other radio related software more efficiently that how the old computer was. Everything is now working not only correctly but more quickly, helping me enjoy my radio time more.
For scanning and monitoring, there is a PRO-2005 for VHF/UHF conventional monitoring and BC796D for monitoring trunked and digital systems. For aviation and military monitoring, there is a BC895XLT for air traffic control and related frequencies, 2 BC780XLTs for military aviation frequencies (one for unit frequencies and another for operating area frequencies) and a PRO-2006 for low band FM. The two BC780XLTs and the PRO-2006 are stacked next to the LCD Monitor. Underneath the LCD monitor, from left to right are the PRO-2005, the BC796D, and the BC895XLT.
For amateur radio, there is a Yaesu FT-28oo (top) for 2 meter FM a Yaesu FT-897D (bottom)for HF/VHF/UHF multi-mode operation. I use a G5RV for an HF antenna, so the FT-897D has an LDG AT-897 tuner attached. The FT-897D also doubles as a general coverage reciever for utility and SWL monitoring. I utilize Ham Radio Deluxe for logging and occasional control of the FT-897D.Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
6 Meter Sporadic E
Last night after the Southeast GA 6 Meter Ragchew Net, I caught the tail end of some 6 Meter E-skip. 6 Meters was open into the northeast US, Ontario, and Quebec; I worked VE3EN in Ontario and VE2XK in Quebec.
Michel, VE2XK mentioned that there had been a winter storm in his area yesterday morning with a lot of wind and ice that had knocked power out. It seems that his quad survived just fine as he worked several stations down here in the southeast!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Michel, VE2XK mentioned that there had been a winter storm in his area yesterday morning with a lot of wind and ice that had knocked power out. It seems that his quad survived just fine as he worked several stations down here in the southeast!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
11 December 2008
Ham Radio Deluxe Fixed
As I posted earlier today, the QRZ lookup function on HRD stopped working due to QRZ's 2.o upgrade. The problem is already fixed with executable files from Ham Radio Deluxe. You can download the fixes here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
DX Logs - 11 December 2008
I haven't had much DX lately, but I finally got some after lunch today:
CT3FT - 1655Z, 14.259 USB, 57, Cedric in Madeira Island
EA8BWW - 1744Z, 14.288 USB, 57, Damian in Canary Islands
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
CT3FT - 1655Z, 14.259 USB, 57, Cedric in Madeira Island
EA8BWW - 1744Z, 14.288 USB, 57, Damian in Canary Islands
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Problems with Ham Radio Deluxe and QRZ 2.0
There wasn't much on the scanners today with the poor weather conditions, there just wasn't much military activity to be heard. Given the lack of milcom activity, I hooked up the FT-897 and decided to play around with HF for a bit.
While logging the net stations and dx stations I worked, I found that Ham Radio Deluxe would not get the station information from the QRZ website. I went to QRZ and discovered that they have switched to their new QRZ 2.0 format. Apparently with this format, Ham Radio Deluxe is unable to access the station information. Hopefully, HRD will soon release an update to remedy the situation.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
While logging the net stations and dx stations I worked, I found that Ham Radio Deluxe would not get the station information from the QRZ website. I went to QRZ and discovered that they have switched to their new QRZ 2.0 format. Apparently with this format, Ham Radio Deluxe is unable to access the station information. Hopefully, HRD will soon release an update to remedy the situation.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
09 December 2008
VMFT-401 "SNIPERS" at MCAS Beaufort
VMFT-401 F-5s arrived at MCAS Beaufort yesterday afternoon and worked with various F/A-18 flights from Beaufort this afternoon using their usual callsign SNIPER.
Air-to-air frequencies were 268.300, 300.550, and 313.850. Common frequencies for the air combat training with the F/A-18s was the W-157 Discrete 385.300 (376.900 and 349.800 may be used as well).
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Air-to-air frequencies were 268.300, 300.550, and 313.850. Common frequencies for the air combat training with the F/A-18s was the W-157 Discrete 385.300 (376.900 and 349.800 may be used as well).
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
08 December 2008
3-17 Cav OH-58s at Hunter AAF
Earlier this year, the 3rd Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division swapped helicopter units. The 3rd ID swapped 3-3 AVN, now 1-10 AVN (AH-64D) for 10th Mountain's 3-17 Cav (OH-58D).
Last week, I began hearing 3-17 Cav's OH-58Ds flying in the Hunter AAF and Fort Stewart area. They have been using LIGHTHORSE ### and ARMY ##### callsigns with Hunter AAF and Marne Radio at Fort Stewart. The callsigns used so far equate to the following tail numbers:
Thanks to a local spotter for help with 93-0955 and 93-0958.
The OH-58Ds have been arranging for fuel with 2-3 AVN Ops on 54.600. Air-to-air traffic has been heard on 51.375.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Last week, I began hearing 3-17 Cav's OH-58Ds flying in the Hunter AAF and Fort Stewart area. They have been using LIGHTHORSE ### and ARMY ##### callsigns with Hunter AAF and Marne Radio at Fort Stewart. The callsigns used so far equate to the following tail numbers:
93-0955
93-0958
95-0005
95-0015
Thanks to a local spotter for help with 93-0955 and 93-0958.
The OH-58Ds have been arranging for fuel with 2-3 AVN Ops on 54.600. Air-to-air traffic has been heard on 51.375.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Chatham County Online Scanner
A Savannah-area scanning enthusiast has put an online scanner feed up for Savannah and Chatham County:
Currently, it includes Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, Tybee, Port Wentworth, Pooler, and Garden City Police and Fire Departments and Southside and Isle of Hope Fire Departments. Based on his post to the Scan Savannah Yahoo Group, Savannah Chatham Municipal PD will be added to the feed in the future.
Note: I am not the provider of this feed, so I do not control what is or isn't provided in the feed.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Currently, it includes Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, Tybee, Port Wentworth, Pooler, and Garden City Police and Fire Departments and Southside and Isle of Hope Fire Departments. Based on his post to the Scan Savannah Yahoo Group, Savannah Chatham Municipal PD will be added to the feed in the future.
Note: I am not the provider of this feed, so I do not control what is or isn't provided in the feed.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Pearl Harbor Day
I usually attend the Fleet Reserve Association Pearl Harbor Day ceremony at the 8th Air Force Museum each Pearl Harbor Day but this year I had to work. This being my first Pearl Harbor Day with HF priveleges, I honored the day by working some of the memorial amateur radio HF special event stations on the air:
W5KID - USS Kidd Pearl Harbor Special Event
W0VFW - VFW Post 3115, Wichita, KS
NB5EQ - USS Altair Memorial Assn. Special Event
There were other special event stations on the air for Pearl Harbor Day, including several other ship stations but unfortunately many were just coming on the air as I had to get ready for work.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
W5KID - USS Kidd Pearl Harbor Special Event
W0VFW - VFW Post 3115, Wichita, KS
NB5EQ - USS Altair Memorial Assn. Special Event
There were other special event stations on the air for Pearl Harbor Day, including several other ship stations but unfortunately many were just coming on the air as I had to get ready for work.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
07 December 2008
Skywarn Recognition Day
Saturday, 6 December 2008, was Skywarn Recognition Day. As part of SRD 2008, there were amateur radio operators at over 100 National Weather Service offices operating special event stations. Before going to work yesterday, I worked 15 of those stations:
N0W - NWS Grand Junction, CO
K0DMX - NWS Des Moines, IA
WX5NWC - NWC Norman, OK
WX3PIT - NWS Pittsburgh, PA
W5A - NWS Little Rock, AR
WX4RNK - NWS Blacksburg, VA
WX9ILX - NWS Lincoln, IL
WX4TOR - NWS Ruskin, FL
WX0GLD - NWS Goodland, KS
W9NWS - NWS Indianapolis, IN
W4P - NWS Paducah, KY
WX4NWS - NWS Louisville, KY
W0NWS - NWS Omaha/Valley, NE
NA4CC - NWS Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
WX4PTC - NWS Peachtree City, GA
All but two of the above stations were worked on 40-meters. Band conditions on 20-meters didn't seem to be very good. WX0GLD and W0NWS were the two stations I worked on 20-meters.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
N0W - NWS Grand Junction, CO
K0DMX - NWS Des Moines, IA
WX5NWC - NWC Norman, OK
WX3PIT - NWS Pittsburgh, PA
W5A - NWS Little Rock, AR
WX4RNK - NWS Blacksburg, VA
WX9ILX - NWS Lincoln, IL
WX4TOR - NWS Ruskin, FL
WX0GLD - NWS Goodland, KS
W9NWS - NWS Indianapolis, IN
W4P - NWS Paducah, KY
WX4NWS - NWS Louisville, KY
W0NWS - NWS Omaha/Valley, NE
NA4CC - NWS Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
WX4PTC - NWS Peachtree City, GA
All but two of the above stations were worked on 40-meters. Band conditions on 20-meters didn't seem to be very good. WX0GLD and W0NWS were the two stations I worked on 20-meters.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
01 December 2008
Life Star News
Back on 14 September 2008, I posted about hearing Life Star work through a different dispatch center on the weekends. I recently confirmed that they are no longer dispatched by "Life Star Base" through Med Star Dispatch. They are being dispatched by OmniFlight, their parent company. They are still using 426.975, seemingly through a Motobridge to OmniFlight's east Communications Center in Kennesaw, GA. The callsign for dispatch is simply "RADIO." There is still traffic on frequency between Life Star and Memorial ER.
Additionally, if anyone is interested in what the OCC number is that Life Star needs for each mission, OmniFlight's website has a link about their Operations Control Center.
Effingham County is attempting to land Life Star's base from it's current location at Savannah International Airport. From the Effingham Herald on 10 November 2008:
The LifeStar air ambulance still isn’t cleared for landing at a new home in Effingham County.
County commissioners tabled a lease agreement with OmniFlight Helicopters, the Addison, Texas-based company that operates the LifeStar service, last Tuesday. Commissioners are expected to revisit the issue Nov. 18, but some are getting antsy that the delay may mean Effingham will lose out on landing the service.
The full text of the article can be found here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Bulldog MOA Changes - Shaw AFB and Augusta Regional Airport Compromise
The Augusta Chronicle featured an article on the Bulldog MOA that Shaw AFB, McEntire JNGB, and other services use on November 29, 2008. Augusta Regional Airport and the Air Force have come to a compromise on airspace changes, but Swainsboro-Emanuel County Airport is still resisting those changes. Below is an excerpt from the article, you can read the entire article here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
MILITARY AIRCRAFT TRAINING PLAN
THE PROPOSAL: Shaw Air Force Base has proposed expanding military aircraft training operations into air space used by facilities in Augusta, Swainsboro and Millen.
THE IMPACT: Military aircraft would be allowed to fly at an altitude of 500 feet, a drop from 11,000 feet in some areas.
THE DEAL: Augusta Regional Airport officials negotiated to have the path changed; Augusta will not be affected by any changes.
THE CRITICISM: An official from the Swainsboro Emanuel County Airport says civilian aircraft planning to land at the facility would face delays that could hurt area commerce. The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the request to exclude Swainsboro Emanuel County's airspace.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
P-3 Units to Relocate from NAS Brunswick to NAS Jacksonville
I noted the following USN P-3 unit relocations in an email from the NAMAR e-mail group last week. It looks like there will be increased P-3 activity off of the GA/FL coast beginning in mid 2009.
- VP-10 will relocate from NAS Brunswick to NAS Jacksonville on 1 June 2009. However, it will belong to Commander Patrol Reconnaissance Wing 5(CPRW-5) until 1 Dec 2009, at which time it will belong to CPRW-11.
- VP-8 will relocate from NAS Brunswick to NAS Jacksonville on 1 June 2009 and switch from CPRW-5 to CPRW-11.
- VPU-1 will relocate from NAS Brunswick to NAS Jacksonville on 1 July 2009 and switch from CPRW-5 to CPRW-11.
There was also a movement listed away from NAS Jacksonville. One of the USN H-60 units will be moving and changing aircraft type:
- HS-3 will be redesignated HSC-9 on 1 June 2009 and switch from theSH-60F/HH-60H to the MH-60S helicopter. The squadron will relocate fromNAS Jacksonville to NS Norfolk.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Military Monitoring Recap; 15-30 November 2008
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAWK OPS"
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
51.050 - Helicopter Common
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25300 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35415 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 23999 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26501 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27039 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26408 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26489 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 295 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
OASIS (MV-22)
PAT 621A
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 98 (C-130H, 165 AW)
NAVY HQ 473 (SH-60, HSL-46)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, MCAS Beaufort)
FOX 511 (C-12, USMC)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
IMPAC ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
138.200 - 77th FS air-to-air
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS Ops
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 79th FS air-to-air
DECK ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
DIAMOND ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
JACKPOT ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
LUCID ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
PEAK ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
BRONCO ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
HOOTER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
PROWL ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
322.400 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 2# (E-8C, 12th ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330 CTS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BOLT 21 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
IMAGE 01 (E-3 backend, RAF)
MASH 61 (KC-135, 319th ARW)
ROKT 512 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 513 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 514 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 515 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 516 (T-39, VT-86)
SENTRY 6# (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
SOLEX (E-3 frontend, RAF)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
386.000 - NORAD Discrete
225.800 - AWACS Discrete
225.875 - AWACS Discrete
303.100 - AWACS Discrete
313.600 - AWACS Discrete
320.600 - AWACS Discrete
141.650 - Common frequency, fighters/AWACS
348.900 - AR-600
143.250 - VT-86?, ROKT air-to-air?
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
55.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAWK OPS"
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
51.050 - Helicopter Common
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25300 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35415 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 23999 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26501 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27039 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26408 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26489 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 295 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
OASIS (MV-22)
PAT 621A
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 98 (C-130H, 165 AW)
NAVY HQ 473 (SH-60, HSL-46)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, MCAS Beaufort)
FOX 511 (C-12, USMC)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
IMPAC ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
138.200 - 77th FS air-to-air
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS Ops
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 79th FS air-to-air
DECK ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
DIAMOND ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
JACKPOT ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
LUCID ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
PEAK ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
BRONCO ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
HOOTER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
PROWL ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
322.400 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 2# (E-8C, 12th ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330 CTS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BOLT 21 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
IMAGE 01 (E-3 backend, RAF)
MASH 61 (KC-135, 319th ARW)
ROKT 512 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 513 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 514 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 515 (T-39, VT-86)
ROKT 516 (T-39, VT-86)
SENTRY 6# (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
SOLEX (E-3 frontend, RAF)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
386.000 - NORAD Discrete
225.800 - AWACS Discrete
225.875 - AWACS Discrete
303.100 - AWACS Discrete
313.600 - AWACS Discrete
320.600 - AWACS Discrete
141.650 - Common frequency, fighters/AWACS
348.900 - AR-600
143.250 - VT-86?, ROKT air-to-air?
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
55.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
24 November 2008
The Day in Radio - 24 November 2008
Today was slow for my military aviation, my favorite monitoring target. I guess they're starting the Thanksgiving Holiday early. There was some F-16 activity in W-161/177 and Bulldog MOA along with some F-15 and F/A-18 activity in W-157, but not nearly as much as usual. The highpoint was activity from DRAGNET, an E-3 AWACS; they controlled a fight in W-157 and another in the Bulldog MOA in the afternoon. At night, the UH-60s and AH-64s at Hunter AAF are usually up in good numbers, but there were only a few in the afternoon and evening today.
On amateur radio, I didn't hear any DX this morning. I usually hear some European stations on 20-meters and 17-meters around 0800-1000 local, but not today. 40-meters didn't want to cooperate either, as I had poor to almost no copy on all of today's South CARS net control stations. We did have a good 6-Meter net tonight, including two new check-ins: Bob, W4WTO and Mark, KA4CID. After the net, some of us hung around and ragchewed on 50.130 USB until just after 2200 local. After we cleared from 50.130, I tuned around on 40 meters, working AG5Z in Mississippi and NF20 in Vermont. Ron, NF2O was my first contact to Vermont on a band other than 6-Meters!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
On amateur radio, I didn't hear any DX this morning. I usually hear some European stations on 20-meters and 17-meters around 0800-1000 local, but not today. 40-meters didn't want to cooperate either, as I had poor to almost no copy on all of today's South CARS net control stations. We did have a good 6-Meter net tonight, including two new check-ins: Bob, W4WTO and Mark, KA4CID. After the net, some of us hung around and ragchewed on 50.130 USB until just after 2200 local. After we cleared from 50.130, I tuned around on 40 meters, working AG5Z in Mississippi and NF20 in Vermont. Ron, NF2O was my first contact to Vermont on a band other than 6-Meters!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
21 November 2008
Why Let Encryption Ruin Your Enjoyment of the Hobby?
Yesterday I read a post on a scanning related email group that disturbed me. The poster stated that he was selling his BC-396 scanner because the law enforcement agency that he monitored had gone encrypted. Why allow the loss of one monitoring target to ruin your enjoyment of the scanning and monitoring hobby?
There is so much RF floating around out there to tune in to. If one target goes away there is plenty left to listen to, especially with a radio like the BC-396. Aviation signals are always fairly easy to pick up, especially from higher altitude civil flights. If you live near the coast, there is plenty of marine VHF traffic to hear. If you live near military bases or training areas, there is MilCom to monitor. Almost anywhere there are business systems to monitor. If you like public safety monitoring and the PD goes encrypted, pay more attention to EMS or Fire communications (an active fireground is always more interesting to monitor than a PD anyway!) instead.
Too often, I think, we pigeon-hole ourselves into just one type of scanning or monitoring. We forget that there is plenty more to listen to than just our favorite target. As a result we are quick to get discouraged and cry out that the hobby is dying. Tune around other bands and other forms of monitoring every now and then. Enjoy what is out there to listen to. Don't let the loss of one form of monitoring ruin your enjoyment of the radio hobby!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
There is so much RF floating around out there to tune in to. If one target goes away there is plenty left to listen to, especially with a radio like the BC-396. Aviation signals are always fairly easy to pick up, especially from higher altitude civil flights. If you live near the coast, there is plenty of marine VHF traffic to hear. If you live near military bases or training areas, there is MilCom to monitor. Almost anywhere there are business systems to monitor. If you like public safety monitoring and the PD goes encrypted, pay more attention to EMS or Fire communications (an active fireground is always more interesting to monitor than a PD anyway!) instead.
Too often, I think, we pigeon-hole ourselves into just one type of scanning or monitoring. We forget that there is plenty more to listen to than just our favorite target. As a result we are quick to get discouraged and cry out that the hobby is dying. Tune around other bands and other forms of monitoring every now and then. Enjoy what is out there to listen to. Don't let the loss of one form of monitoring ruin your enjoyment of the radio hobby!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
The AT-897 is Back From Repair
The AT-897 tuner returned from LDG yesterday while I was at work. Before turning in last night, I reinstalled it on the side of the FT-897 so that I could give it a try this morning. LDG replaced a bad latching relay (the problem was a relay that was unlatching after a couple of transmissions) and upgraded the unit's software while they had it. Turn around time on the repairs wasn't bad at all, including delivery times, it was only gone just over two weeks. So far, I have no complaints with LDG's service.
I worked UR5HAC in the Ukraine, KT4FW in North Carolina, N1QLL in Maine and checked into the South CARS net with no problems. The tuner never "un-tuned" once, so the repair job seems to have worked. Prior to sending it off, it would have certainly have had a problem during the QSO I had with KT4FW.
I look forward to working it out some more this weekend as a further test.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I worked UR5HAC in the Ukraine, KT4FW in North Carolina, N1QLL in Maine and checked into the South CARS net with no problems. The tuner never "un-tuned" once, so the repair job seems to have worked. Prior to sending it off, it would have certainly have had a problem during the QSO I had with KT4FW.
I look forward to working it out some more this weekend as a further test.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
18 November 2008
Royal Air Force AWACS in the Area
A Royal Air Force E-3 is in the area this evening. IMAGE 01 is up in the W-157 areas off of the Georgia and Florida coast controlling F-15s from the 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville IAP.
The RAF E-3, IMAGE 01, has been up on the following frequencies:
267.500 - SEALORD South Primary
225.800 - AWACS Discrete, controlling FANGs (F-15, 125th FW)
313.600 - AWACS Discrete, controlling SNAKEs, RATTLERs (F-15, 125th FW)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
386.000 - NORAD Discrete?
The Front End/Flight Deck is using the callsign SOLEX 01 and has been up with SEALORD on 120.950. They will RTB to Robins when their work is done, so it sounds like they are working out of Robins AFB this week.
This is a good opportunity to catch a rare visitor the the Coastal Georgia area.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
The RAF E-3, IMAGE 01, has been up on the following frequencies:
267.500 - SEALORD South Primary
225.800 - AWACS Discrete, controlling FANGs (F-15, 125th FW)
313.600 - AWACS Discrete, controlling SNAKEs, RATTLERs (F-15, 125th FW)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
386.000 - NORAD Discrete?
The Front End/Flight Deck is using the callsign SOLEX 01 and has been up with SEALORD on 120.950. They will RTB to Robins when their work is done, so it sounds like they are working out of Robins AFB this week.
This is a good opportunity to catch a rare visitor the the Coastal Georgia area.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
17 November 2008
Navy Announces Preference To Homeport Aircraft Carrier In Mayport
Received today through the Navy News Service:
From Department of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As part of an environmental impact statement (EIS), the Navy announced today its "preferred alternative" is to homeport a single nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport, Fla.
The EIS examined potential consequences of constructing and operating facilities and infrastructure associated with homeporting additional surface ships at NAVSTA Mayport. The EIS evaluated resources in the Mayport area that may be affected by the proposed action, such as air and water quality, biological resources, marine mammals and threatened or endangered species, land use, cultural resources, and socioeconomics. The EIS also accounted for cumulative impacts from other activities in the Mayport area.
After consultation with the public, key individuals and numerous organizations, the Navy considered 275 official comments while assessing 13 EIS alternatives. Ultimately, the Navy concluded that homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport would increase operational readiness while affording the necessary environmental protections.
The last Navy aircraft carrier to be homeported in Mayport was the conventionally powered USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), which was decommissioned in 2007.
The Navy's preferred alternative involves homeporting one CVN and associated infrastructure modifications. These include dredging, infrastructure and wharf improvements, and construction of CVN nuclear propulsion plant maintenance facilities. Homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport reduces risk to fleet resources in the event of a natural disaster, manmade calamity, or attack by foreign nations or terrorists. This includes risks to aircraft carriers, industrial support facilities, and the people that operate and maintain these crucial assets.
A Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement will be published to the Federal Register Nov. 21. The Record of Decision is expected in late December.
For more news from the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
From Department of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As part of an environmental impact statement (EIS), the Navy announced today its "preferred alternative" is to homeport a single nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport, Fla.
The EIS examined potential consequences of constructing and operating facilities and infrastructure associated with homeporting additional surface ships at NAVSTA Mayport. The EIS evaluated resources in the Mayport area that may be affected by the proposed action, such as air and water quality, biological resources, marine mammals and threatened or endangered species, land use, cultural resources, and socioeconomics. The EIS also accounted for cumulative impacts from other activities in the Mayport area.
After consultation with the public, key individuals and numerous organizations, the Navy considered 275 official comments while assessing 13 EIS alternatives. Ultimately, the Navy concluded that homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport would increase operational readiness while affording the necessary environmental protections.
The last Navy aircraft carrier to be homeported in Mayport was the conventionally powered USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), which was decommissioned in 2007.
The Navy's preferred alternative involves homeporting one CVN and associated infrastructure modifications. These include dredging, infrastructure and wharf improvements, and construction of CVN nuclear propulsion plant maintenance facilities. Homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport reduces risk to fleet resources in the event of a natural disaster, manmade calamity, or attack by foreign nations or terrorists. This includes risks to aircraft carriers, industrial support facilities, and the people that operate and maintain these crucial assets.
A Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement will be published to the Federal Register Nov. 21. The Record of Decision is expected in late December.
For more news from the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 November 2008
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
54.500 - probable 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
51.500 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25298 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35401 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35404 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26048 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26413 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD 6526 (HH-65)
NAVY JV 832 (C-40, VR-58)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
237.000 - CRTC OPS; 124 FS "HAWKS NEST OPS"
138.625 - CRTC OPS; 124 FS "HAWKS NEST OPS"
140.500 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
141.150 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
142.700 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
149.4875 - CRTC; 124th FS Maintenance Net
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
HAWKEYE ## (F-16, 124th FS)
BULLDOG ## (F-16, 124th FS)
CYCLONE ## (F-16, 124th FS)
CARMEN 07 (C-130, DE ANG)
FENDY 51
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
348.825 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 2
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
234.500 - VFC-12 Tac
299.250 - VFC-12 Tac
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
AMBUSH ## (F/A-18, VFC-12)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
GRITS ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
GAMBLER ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
MISTY ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
VEGAS ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
VENOM ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 06 (E-8C, 116th ACW)
PEACH 2# (E-8C, 12th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
350.675 - South TACTS Range
340.375 - North TACTS Range
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
CARDFILE 711 (P-3C)
DEUCE 0# (B-52H, 2nd BW
DOOM 9# (B-52H, 2nd BW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
GRUMMAN 07 (E-2, Grumman Test)
GUNHOG 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
NAVY LT 621 (P-3C, VP-62)
PELICAN 713 (P-3C, VP-45)
SENTRY 61 (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
STEALTH (117th ACS)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
138.600 - 117th ACS Discrete
321.200 - 117th ACS Discrete
228.225 - Moody AFB "ANGEL OPS"
263.450 - Moody AFB PMSV
310.200 - NAS Jacksonville Base Ops
324.600 - AR-207
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
54.500 - probable 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
51.500 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25298 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35401 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35404 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26048 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26413 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD 6526 (HH-65)
NAVY JV 832 (C-40, VR-58)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
237.000 - CRTC OPS; 124 FS "HAWKS NEST OPS"
138.625 - CRTC OPS; 124 FS "HAWKS NEST OPS"
140.500 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
141.150 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
142.700 - CRTC Discrete; 124th FS air-to-air
149.4875 - CRTC; 124th FS Maintenance Net
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
HAWKEYE ## (F-16, 124th FS)
BULLDOG ## (F-16, 124th FS)
CYCLONE ## (F-16, 124th FS)
CARMEN 07 (C-130, DE ANG)
FENDY 51
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
348.825 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 2
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
234.500 - VFC-12 Tac
299.250 - VFC-12 Tac
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
AMBUSH ## (F/A-18, VFC-12)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
GRITS ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
GAMBLER ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
MISTY ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
VEGAS ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
VENOM ## (F-16CJ, 77th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
RATTLER ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
328.050 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 06 (E-8C, 116th ACW)
PEACH 2# (E-8C, 12th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
350.675 - South TACTS Range
340.375 - North TACTS Range
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
CARDFILE 711 (P-3C)
DEUCE 0# (B-52H, 2nd BW
DOOM 9# (B-52H, 2nd BW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS backend)
GRUMMAN 07 (E-2, Grumman Test)
GUNHOG 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
NAVY LT 621 (P-3C, VP-62)
PELICAN 713 (P-3C, VP-45)
SENTRY 61 (E-3, 966th ACCS frontend)
STEALTH (117th ACS)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
138.600 - 117th ACS Discrete
321.200 - 117th ACS Discrete
228.225 - Moody AFB "ANGEL OPS"
263.450 - Moody AFB PMSV
310.200 - NAS Jacksonville Base Ops
324.600 - AR-207
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
15 November 2008
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Last night, a group of Amateur Radio Operators from the Savannah area met at the pavilion on the south end of Tybee Island to watch and monitor the launch of the Shuttle Endeavour. Despite weather that wasn't favorable for viewing, we met at the Pavilion around 1900 hours to prepare for the 1955 hours launch. Amongst those gathered were Kevin Bell - WD0GFG, Robert Owen - KJ4HAL, Guy McDonald - K4GTM and his son Jackson, Lowell Beckner - N4ZLJ and his wife, and Dan Scott, KF4MND and his daughter. Bob Harman - W4WTO, Mark Bolton, KA4CID, Ed Bigbie - W4MMQ, and Jerry Pearlman -W4SGA were also taking part via radio.
Surprisingly, of the three of us to try to listen in to the launch on 259.700, I was the only one to hear anything. Guy tried with his Yaesu VX-7R and Robert tried with his Radio Shack Pro-164. My BC-396 with the Diamond RH-77 antenna picked up 4 transmissions including "Negative Return" and "Press to MECO." I was asked why I thought I was the only one to hear it and my best guess would have to be antenna. The VX-7R could have sensitivity problems in the mil-UHF range, but many of the recent Yaesu radios seem to do pretty well for most of the mil-UHF range. Guy was using the stock VX-7R antenna, which as an amateur radio antenna may just not be tuned well for that range. The RH-77 is an amateur antenna, but is only dual band (as opposed to tri band 2m, 6m, 70cm for the VX-7R) and just happens to make an excellent scanner antenna. Although I don't know how well the Pro-164 works on mil-UHF, I have to assume it does well because I think it is made by GRE. GRE products usually perform quite well in that frequency range. Robert was using a stock antenna, which could very well explain why he didn't hear anything; those stock antennas rarely perform well for mil-UHF.
I really had fun with this activity; I think the whole group did. After the launch, most of us adjourned to Spanky's Beachside for dinner. I enjoyed not only getting to see a brief part of the launch first hand, but also just getting out with some fellow hams for a bit. I had talked to Lowell on the radio a few times, so it was good to meet him in person. We also exposed a few folks who passed by and were gathering on the pavilion to look for the shuttle launch to radio monitoring and amateur radio. Most had no idea you could listen to the shuttle via radio!
If we get the chance to do this again, I do belive I will bring a different setup for monitoring. One of the BC-780s along with an amplified speaker to boost the audio over the wind and surf noise would work better. I also plan to take something capable of receiving HF, perhaps the the DJ-X10T so we can monitor the Booster Recovery Net. The BRD net would be a good backup the the retransmitted NASA audio (countdown is provided to the booster recover vessels over HF).
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Guy - K4GTM and Dan - KF4MND get their radios ready to go while Jackson passes time playing a video game prior to launch time.
The initial plan involved Dan transmitting NASA audio through the 146.700 repeater from his home station. Unfortunately, propagation didn't support him getting into the 146.700 well from his home in Long County throughout the evening. As a result, the feed suffered from poor audio most of the night (although predictably it did work perfectly after the launch!). We substituted with audio from Kevin's laptop through a wireless connection until his laptop battery died and then via updates from Bob, Mark, and Jerry via the 147.330 repeater.
Lowell - N4ZLJ and his wife, Robert - KJ4HAL, and Kevin, WDoGFG get updates over the 146.700 and 147.330 repeaters.
Surprisingly, of the three of us to try to listen in to the launch on 259.700, I was the only one to hear anything. Guy tried with his Yaesu VX-7R and Robert tried with his Radio Shack Pro-164. My BC-396 with the Diamond RH-77 antenna picked up 4 transmissions including "Negative Return" and "Press to MECO." I was asked why I thought I was the only one to hear it and my best guess would have to be antenna. The VX-7R could have sensitivity problems in the mil-UHF range, but many of the recent Yaesu radios seem to do pretty well for most of the mil-UHF range. Guy was using the stock VX-7R antenna, which as an amateur radio antenna may just not be tuned well for that range. The RH-77 is an amateur antenna, but is only dual band (as opposed to tri band 2m, 6m, 70cm for the VX-7R) and just happens to make an excellent scanner antenna. Although I don't know how well the Pro-164 works on mil-UHF, I have to assume it does well because I think it is made by GRE. GRE products usually perform quite well in that frequency range. Robert was using a stock antenna, which could very well explain why he didn't hear anything; those stock antennas rarely perform well for mil-UHF.
I really had fun with this activity; I think the whole group did. After the launch, most of us adjourned to Spanky's Beachside for dinner. I enjoyed not only getting to see a brief part of the launch first hand, but also just getting out with some fellow hams for a bit. I had talked to Lowell on the radio a few times, so it was good to meet him in person. We also exposed a few folks who passed by and were gathering on the pavilion to look for the shuttle launch to radio monitoring and amateur radio. Most had no idea you could listen to the shuttle via radio!
If we get the chance to do this again, I do belive I will bring a different setup for monitoring. One of the BC-780s along with an amplified speaker to boost the audio over the wind and surf noise would work better. I also plan to take something capable of receiving HF, perhaps the the DJ-X10T so we can monitor the Booster Recovery Net. The BRD net would be a good backup the the retransmitted NASA audio (countdown is provided to the booster recover vessels over HF).
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
11 November 2008
Veterans Day Radio Activity
Except for some casual scanning, I really didn't do any monitoring today. My radio activity today was Veterans' Day related. After attending a Veterans' Day Ceremony in Effingham County, my father Mac McCormick, Jr. AF4KL and I spent some time searching the HF bands for some Veterans' Day special event stations. Band conditions weren't all that good this afternoon, but here are the stations we found and worked:
WW1FWB - A special event station in Charles Town, WV commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 and honoring Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American WW1 veteran. What an honor is was to work WW1FWB, we both passed on our thanks and best wishes to Mr. Buckles.
K0GRL - A special event station at the East Nebraska Veteran's home by the Strategic Air Command Memorial Amateur Radio Club, honoring America's Veterans.
K8V - A special event station in Iron Mountain, MI honoring America's Veterans.
W5M - A special event station in Spiro, Oklahoma celebrating the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
We wanted to get the USS Essex and USS Kidd special event stations, but propagation wasn't with us for those. I could hear stations talking to the Kidd, but couldn't hear the Kidd itself. The Essex was coming in weak, but the signals weren't strong enough for us to go back to it. They seemed to be only working 20m and the signals were just going right over us.
It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with my father and the hobby we both enjoy. If you're interested in the Effingham County Veterans' Day Ceremony we attended, you can see my blog post about it here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
WW1FWB - A special event station in Charles Town, WV commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 and honoring Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American WW1 veteran. What an honor is was to work WW1FWB, we both passed on our thanks and best wishes to Mr. Buckles.
K0GRL - A special event station at the East Nebraska Veteran's home by the Strategic Air Command Memorial Amateur Radio Club, honoring America's Veterans.
K8V - A special event station in Iron Mountain, MI honoring America's Veterans.
W5M - A special event station in Spiro, Oklahoma celebrating the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
We wanted to get the USS Essex and USS Kidd special event stations, but propagation wasn't with us for those. I could hear stations talking to the Kidd, but couldn't hear the Kidd itself. The Essex was coming in weak, but the signals weren't strong enough for us to go back to it. They seemed to be only working 20m and the signals were just going right over us.
It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with my father and the hobby we both enjoy. If you're interested in the Effingham County Veterans' Day Ceremony we attended, you can see my blog post about it here.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
10 November 2008
DX Logs - 29 October to 07 November
29 October
V31MD, 2046, 18.152 USB, 59, Robert in Belize
04 November
P40ZB, 1945, 14.240 USB, 59, Gary in Aruba
05 November
EI3IO, 1413, 14.275 USB, 55, Dave in Dublin
YN2N, 2041, 18.139 USB, 58, Octavio in Nicaragua
06 November
US0LW, 1335, 14.244 USB, 55, Gary in Ukraine
DL8RCD, 1432, 14.272 USB, 59, Dietr in Germany
07 November
VP2V/SP7VC, 2313, 7.185 LSB, 59, British Virgin Islands
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
V31MD, 2046, 18.152 USB, 59, Robert in Belize
04 November
P40ZB, 1945, 14.240 USB, 59, Gary in Aruba
05 November
EI3IO, 1413, 14.275 USB, 55, Dave in Dublin
YN2N, 2041, 18.139 USB, 58, Octavio in Nicaragua
06 November
US0LW, 1335, 14.244 USB, 55, Gary in Ukraine
DL8RCD, 1432, 14.272 USB, 59, Dietr in Germany
07 November
VP2V/SP7VC, 2313, 7.185 LSB, 59, British Virgin Islands
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
09 November 2008
Military Monitoring Recap; 15-31 October 2008
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25305 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26556 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24487 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26489 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
LUSTY ## (AV-8B, VMA-542)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, Beaufort)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
NAVY SD 423
Shaw AFB
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
KING ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
MADCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
141.925 - 169th FW V17
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
322.400 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.025 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
AUTO ## (KC-135, 6 AMW)
BACKY 32 (KC-135, 916 ARW)
BANDIT ## (F-5, VFC-111)
DEECEE 21 (KC-135, 459 FW)
ROMAN ## (F/A-18, VFA-106)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
324.600 - AR-207
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 25305 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26556 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24487 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26489 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
LUSTY ## (AV-8B, VMA-542)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, Beaufort)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437/315 AW)
NAVY SD 423
Shaw AFB
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
KING ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
MADCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
141.925 - 169th FW V17
149.625 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
322.400 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG ## (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE ## (F-15, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.025 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
AUTO ## (KC-135, 6 AMW)
BACKY 32 (KC-135, 916 ARW)
BANDIT ## (F-5, VFC-111)
DEECEE 21 (KC-135, 459 FW)
ROMAN ## (F/A-18, VFA-106)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
324.600 - AR-207
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
08 November 2008
Early Morning QSO With the International Space Station
This morning on the way to work, I worked the International Space Station! I was on I-516 WB just past I-16 when just after 6:00 AM I started hearing NA1SS (one of the ISS callsigns) on 145.800. The first station I heard him work was in Louisiana. A couple of CQs later Mike Fincke, the ISS Expedition 18 commander answered my reply and I was able to make the contact just as I started to lose the signal!
My equipment was a Yaesu FT-8800 and a Comet CHL-62S mobile antenna.
I've heard the ISS before while mobile but I was never able to make the contact. I'll chalk this successful attempt up to not having much competition at that early hour.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
My equipment was a Yaesu FT-8800 and a Comet CHL-62S mobile antenna.
I've heard the ISS before while mobile but I was never able to make the contact. I'll chalk this successful attempt up to not having much competition at that early hour.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
04 November 2008
Simplex to Hilton Head
This afternoon, several of us here in Savannah carried on a QSO with Ted, KJ4EGZ while he was in the Spanish Wells area of Hilton Head. Along with Bob, W4WTO and Guy, K4GTM, I talked to Ted on 146.520 using the JTB4 triband vertical (tips out at just over 20ft). Bob was mobile in the Wilmington Island area and Guy was at home in the Sandfly area.
At one point, when he was on top of the bridge on Highway 278, Ted was even able to talk to Ryan, KJ4EIC in Hinesville on 146.520.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
At one point, when he was on top of the bridge on Highway 278, Ted was even able to talk to Ryan, KJ4EIC in Hinesville on 146.520.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
03 November 2008
KG4WV QSL Card from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
I received today this QSL card from Bill, KG4WV from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I had a QSO with Bill on 11 October 2008 on 17 meters.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124 FS at Savannah CRTC
F-16s from the Iowa ANG's 124th Fighter Squadron are at the Savannah Combat Readiness Center. This afternoon, they were operating in W-157 off of the Georgia Coast with F/A-18s from VMFA-251 and an E-3 AWACS.
They have been using the CRTC Ops freqs 237.000 and 138.625 for traffic with their ops, HAWK'S NEST and CRTC Discretes 140.500, 141.150, and 142.700 for air-to-air traffic. Callsigns in use have been HAWKEYE, CYCLONE, and BULLDOG.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
They have been using the CRTC Ops freqs 237.000 and 138.625 for traffic with their ops, HAWK'S NEST and CRTC Discretes 140.500, 141.150, and 142.700 for air-to-air traffic. Callsigns in use have been HAWKEYE, CYCLONE, and BULLDOG.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
77 FS Back in the Air
I heard the 77th Fighter Squadron from Shaw AFB back in the air this afternoon, flying missions in the Bulldog MOA.
The two flights I heard were using VEGAS 4# and MISTY 5#, using 143.800 and 139.975 respectively for air-to-air traffic. They used the long standing 273.700 for traffic with 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS."
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
The two flights I heard were using VEGAS 4# and MISTY 5#, using 143.800 and 139.975 respectively for air-to-air traffic. They used the long standing 273.700 for traffic with 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS."
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
02 November 2008
More on 1-3 AVN AH-64Ds
I received today an email from Edwin with the AH-64 Research Group providing some updates on the 1-3 AVN AH-64Ds:
Edwin reports that some of 1-3 AVN's Apaches were left in Iraq to be turned over to the unit replacing them. In return, 1-3 AVN will receive some AH-64s from Ft. Hood, one of which is 25306 which I have heard recently.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Edwin reports that some of 1-3 AVN's Apaches were left in Iraq to be turned over to the unit replacing them. In return, 1-3 AVN will receive some AH-64s from Ft. Hood, one of which is 25306 which I have heard recently.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Back on HF with Borrowed Tuner
I am back on HF from time to time using my father's LDG Z-100 tuner. Everything is working great using the Z-100, so I'm interested in seeing how things work when the AT-897 returns.
It was good to be able to carry on a QSO without having my eyes glued to the SWR meter and worrying about the tuner kicking off.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
It was good to be able to carry on a QSO without having my eyes glued to the SWR meter and worrying about the tuner kicking off.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
30 October 2008
LDG AT-897
I lost a lot of radio time today (on my day off, no less) trying to cure the problem of my AT-897 tripping relays and de-tuning during transmissions. A few months ago, RF chokes on the DC power cord and increased RF grounding seemed to improve the problem. At the time it was only occuring on the higher bands such as 10-Meters and 6-Meters. Recently, it has begun doing it again, with the problem extending to down to 20-Meters and 40-Meters.
I called LDG this afternoon and explained my problem. They advised me to package the unit up and return it to them, which I have done. I'll be interested to see how the problem is handled and how it works when it comes back.
Thus, I'll probably be off the air on HF for a few weeks... I'll see you on 6-Meters, 2-Meters, and 70cm.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I called LDG this afternoon and explained my problem. They advised me to package the unit up and return it to them, which I have done. I'll be interested to see how the problem is handled and how it works when it comes back.
Thus, I'll probably be off the air on HF for a few weeks... I'll see you on 6-Meters, 2-Meters, and 70cm.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Update on Savannah Approach/Departure UHF Frequencies
This morning I was out in the Pooler area, so I took a side trip by Savannah IAP and listened in on the ground side of the Approach frequencies. Based on my monitoring, here is what the new pairings are:
120.400/353.775
125.300/371.875
118.400/307.225
It seems that 125.300/371.875 and 118.400/307.225 are patched together to the same controller and 120.400/353.775 goes to another controller.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
120.400/353.775
125.300/371.875
118.400/307.225
It seems that 125.300/371.875 and 118.400/307.225 are patched together to the same controller and 120.400/353.775 goes to another controller.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Savannah Approach/Departure UHF Changes
Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that the UHF approach and departure frequencies for Savannah have changed. The NOTAMs for Savannah IAP list the following:
353.775 vice 380.025
307.225 vice 371.875
387.100 OTS use 371.875
Monitoring experience seems to indicate that 353.775 has replaced 380.025 and 371.875 has replaced 387.100. 307.225 may still be in use, but I haven't had the chance to check it for multicast activity on the ground side. 307.225 never was used frequently in the first place, so it may not be heard on the air side immediately if it is still being used.
I'll post updates as I figure out the changes more completely.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
353.775 vice 380.025
307.225 vice 371.875
387.100 OTS use 371.875
Monitoring experience seems to indicate that 353.775 has replaced 380.025 and 371.875 has replaced 387.100. 307.225 may still be in use, but I haven't had the chance to check it for multicast activity on the ground side. 307.225 never was used frequently in the first place, so it may not be heard on the air side immediately if it is still being used.
I'll post updates as I figure out the changes more completely.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
AH-64s Back at Hunter AAF
While I was working a lot of 7-3 shifts in recent weeks, it seems that the 1-3 AVN AH-64s have returned to Hunter AAF. So far I've only heard ARMY/VIPER 25305 and ARMY/VIPER 25306, but I would assume that the unit's other AH-64s are back as well.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
DX Logs - 24, 27, and 28 October 2008
24 October 2008
SP5KP, 1330, 14.285, 55, Chris in Poland
27 October 2008
PZ5Z, 2146, 18.135, 59, OM0C Contest Team in Suriname
28 October, 2008
PZ5Z, 2040, 14.251, 59, OM0C Contest Team in Suriname
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
SP5KP, 1330, 14.285, 55, Chris in Poland
27 October 2008
PZ5Z, 2146, 18.135, 59, OM0C Contest Team in Suriname
28 October, 2008
PZ5Z, 2040, 14.251, 59, OM0C Contest Team in Suriname
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
CQ Worldwide DX Contest 2008
Over the weekend of 25/26 October, 2008 I took advantage of the CQ WW DX Contest to put some DX stations in my logbook. I found that I didn't really enjoy contesting (too many folks in too small an amount of spectrum!), but I did enjoy working the contest for short periods of time and putting some DX in the log.
Here's what I was able to do, listed by band:
20 Meters
PW2D, Brazil
VP2E, Anguilla
HI3CCP, Dominican Republic
PJ4E, Bonaire, Curacao
DR1A, Germany
M6T, England
ZF2AH, Cayman Islands
94YD, Trinidad & Tobago
VE7SV, Britsh Columbia, Canada
9A7A, Croatia
E73M, Bosnia-Herzegovina
GI5K, Northern Ireland
HQ3Z, Honduras
VP5DX, Turks and Caicos
IS0T, Sardinia
IR2C, Italy
4O3A, Montenegro
EE2W, Spain
CQ9K, Madeira Island
VE1DX, Nova Scotia, Canada
15 Meters
NH6P, Hawaii
PJ4E, Bonaire, Curacao
YV4A, Venezuela
VE7SV, British Columbia, Canada
8P5A, Barbados
TO8Z,
VC6R, Alberta, Canada
EA1EEY, Spain
TM7F, France
GW4BLE, Wales
M6T, England
PA0AA, Netherlands
HC8A, Galapagos Islands
HQ3Z, Honduras
HK3RA, Colombia
TM7F, France
40 Meters
C6APR, Bahamas
IZ6FXP, Italy
CN3A, Morocco
EI7M, Ireland
IW2LLH, Italy
CS2P, Portugal
6Y1V, Jamaica
I2VRN, Italy
OE4A, Austria
9A1P, Croatia
HK3O, Colombia
CU2X, Azores
80 Meters
VP2V/SP7VC, British Virgin Islands
Thanks to Jere, KT4ZB for his email heads up and information about the contest.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Here's what I was able to do, listed by band:
20 Meters
PW2D, Brazil
VP2E, Anguilla
HI3CCP, Dominican Republic
PJ4E, Bonaire, Curacao
DR1A, Germany
M6T, England
ZF2AH, Cayman Islands
94YD, Trinidad & Tobago
VE7SV, Britsh Columbia, Canada
9A7A, Croatia
E73M, Bosnia-Herzegovina
GI5K, Northern Ireland
HQ3Z, Honduras
VP5DX, Turks and Caicos
IS0T, Sardinia
IR2C, Italy
4O3A, Montenegro
EE2W, Spain
CQ9K, Madeira Island
VE1DX, Nova Scotia, Canada
15 Meters
NH6P, Hawaii
PJ4E, Bonaire, Curacao
YV4A, Venezuela
VE7SV, British Columbia, Canada
8P5A, Barbados
TO8Z,
VC6R, Alberta, Canada
EA1EEY, Spain
TM7F, France
GW4BLE, Wales
M6T, England
PA0AA, Netherlands
HC8A, Galapagos Islands
HQ3Z, Honduras
HK3RA, Colombia
TM7F, France
40 Meters
C6APR, Bahamas
IZ6FXP, Italy
CN3A, Morocco
EI7M, Ireland
IW2LLH, Italy
CS2P, Portugal
6Y1V, Jamaica
I2VRN, Italy
OE4A, Austria
9A1P, Croatia
HK3O, Colombia
CU2X, Azores
80 Meters
VP2V/SP7VC, British Virgin Islands
Thanks to Jere, KT4ZB for his email heads up and information about the contest.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
24 October 2008
DX Logs - 22 and 23 October 2008
22 October 2008
LX1AX, 1319, 18.142 USB, 56, Alain in Luxembourg
23 October 2008
Thursday morning, 23 October, was great for DX. Conditions were good, but I think it was mostly due to a lot of operators getting ready for the weekend's CQ Worldwide DX contest.
RZ3TZZ, 1324, 14.329 USB, 45, Nick in Russia
E77A, 1346, 21.279.3 USB, 59, Slaven in Bosnia-Herzegovina
HA5BSW, 1404, 18.128 USB, 59, Tibi in Hungary
TG9ADM, 1420, 18.138 USB, 59, Dante in Guatemala
OR4U, 1602, 18.160 USB, 58, Jean in Belgium
OZ7AKT, 1644, 14.280 USB, 59, Mikkel in Denmark
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
LX1AX, 1319, 18.142 USB, 56, Alain in Luxembourg
23 October 2008
Thursday morning, 23 October, was great for DX. Conditions were good, but I think it was mostly due to a lot of operators getting ready for the weekend's CQ Worldwide DX contest.
RZ3TZZ, 1324, 14.329 USB, 45, Nick in Russia
E77A, 1346, 21.279.3 USB, 59, Slaven in Bosnia-Herzegovina
HA5BSW, 1404, 18.128 USB, 59, Tibi in Hungary
TG9ADM, 1420, 18.138 USB, 59, Dante in Guatemala
OR4U, 1602, 18.160 USB, 58, Jean in Belgium
OZ7AKT, 1644, 14.280 USB, 59, Mikkel in Denmark
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
22 October 2008
DX Logs - 20 and 21 October 2008
20 October 2008
DJ3JH, 1551, 18.118 USB, 57, Rudi in Breisach, Germany
21 October 2008
TG9NX, 1323, 18.139 USB, 59, Francisco in Guatemala City, Guatemala
HB9FAX, 1405, 14.267 USB, 59, Jacky in Southern Switzerland
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
DJ3JH, 1551, 18.118 USB, 57, Rudi in Breisach, Germany
21 October 2008
TG9NX, 1323, 18.139 USB, 59, Francisco in Guatemala City, Guatemala
HB9FAX, 1405, 14.267 USB, 59, Jacky in Southern Switzerland
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
19 October 2008
Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 October 2008
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
30.30 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24636 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26513 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26546 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26360 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHOOK ## (CH-47, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
GUARD 15279
GUARD 26662 (UH-60)
JENA 124 (Dash-8, FBI)
NAVY LL 66 (P-3C, VP-30)
PEACH 81 (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
244.875 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
ARMY 1778 (G-IV)
MACE 99 (C-130, SC ANG)
NAVY HR 503 (SH-60, HSL-48)
TROUT 98 (KC-135)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
Shaw AFB
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
BEAST ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
CLAW (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SLASH ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TALON ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTRE OPS"
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
341.750 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 88 (E-8C, 128th ACCS Front End)
ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128th ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - S. TACTS Range
381.875 - N. TACTS Range
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BACKY 41 (KC-135, 916 ARW)
BRUTUS (E-3?)
CARDFILE 712 (P-3C, USN)
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
MASH 61 (KC-135, 319 ARW)
MASH 81 (KC-135, 319 ARW)
ROMAN 71 (F/A-18, VFA-106)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
348.900 - AR-600
228.225 - 23rd Wing "ANGEL OPS"
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
30.30 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24636 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26513 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26546 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26360 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHOOK ## (CH-47, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
GUARD 15279
GUARD 26662 (UH-60)
JENA 124 (Dash-8, FBI)
NAVY LL 66 (P-3C, VP-30)
PEACH 81 (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
244.875 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
128,925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
ARMY 1778 (G-IV)
MACE 99 (C-130, SC ANG)
NAVY HR 503 (SH-60, HSL-48)
TROUT 98 (KC-135)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
344.200 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
310.200 - VNFA(AW)-533 Base
299.300 - VMFA(AW)-533 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
HAWK 8# (F/A-18D, VMFA-533)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
Shaw AFB
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
BEAST ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
CLAW (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SLASH ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TALON ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
Jacksonville IAP
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FS Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTRE OPS"
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
341.750 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 88 (E-8C, 128th ACCS Front End)
ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128th ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - S. TACTS Range
381.875 - N. TACTS Range
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
BACKY 41 (KC-135, 916 ARW)
BRUTUS (E-3?)
CARDFILE 712 (P-3C, USN)
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
MASH 61 (KC-135, 319 ARW)
MASH 81 (KC-135, 319 ARW)
ROMAN 71 (F/A-18, VFA-106)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
348.900 - AR-600
228.225 - 23rd Wing "ANGEL OPS"
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
DX Logs - 19 October 2008
PA3GSU, 1353, 18.140 USB, 58, Ietsen in Netherlands
DL1A, 1410, 14.242 USB, 57, Club Station C-30 in Munich, Germany
DF8WZ, 1458, 18.134 USB, 58, Stan in Edertal-Bergheim, Germany
CO4LS, 2042, 14.260 USB, 59, Jorge in Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
DL1A, 1410, 14.242 USB, 57, Club Station C-30 in Munich, Germany
DF8WZ, 1458, 18.134 USB, 58, Stan in Edertal-Bergheim, Germany
CO4LS, 2042, 14.260 USB, 59, Jorge in Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
K4S - Boy Scouts Jamboree on the Air Station, 18 October 2008
Saturday morning broke with rainy skies and muddy ground out at the Oglethorpe Speedway in Pooler, GA. Despite the conditions, we were still determined to get on the air with the Boy Scouts. We hung sides on the tent shelters to keep the equipment dry, fought the mud, and started making contacts. Band conditions were good on Saturday morning and there was plenty of activity.
We had four stations set up this year. Philip, KA4KOE had his "Green" military HF radio set up for HF contacts. Ralph, W4REQ had his FT-857 set up for HF and 6 meters. Dan, KF4MND brought his Echolink equipment out and set up an Echolink node. The fourth station was my FT-897 for HF and 6 meters. I brought a G5RV Jr. (40-meters through 10-meters) to use with my station and I couldn't have been more happy with how it performed. I used it on 40, 20, and 17 meters with excellent signal reports when we weren't fighting QSB. In addition to working the radios with the Scouts, Philip also gave some soldering demonstrations and lessons.
It was great fun working with the Scouts. We were able to qualify several Scouts for their radio badges and started others on the road toward theirs. Several Scouts were really enthusiastic about amateur radio and seemed to be prospective hams. I enjoyed working with the Scouts just as much as I did working with the radios.
I would like the thank a couple of stations in particular for helping the Scouts get contacts: KE4AMC and W4C. KE4AMC, Darryll worked five of the Scouts on Saturday morning. W4C, the USCG Auxiliary 69th Anniversary Special Event Station in Merritt, NC took time out of working contacts with the special event station to work three of the Scouts.
The day began with rain, turning the ground in the foreground to mud.
The mud in evidence on my boot!
Dan, KF4MND gets some Scouts on the air at the Echolink node.
Philip, KA4KOE teaches soldering skills.
Guy, K4GTM and Ted, KJ4EGZ get Ted's son Shane another contact.
Ralph, W4REQ and a Scout make a 6-Meter contact; Jerry, W4SGA was on the other end.
Ryan, KJ4EIC gives a demonstration of Philip's "Green" radio.
Ryan, KJ4EIC and Ted, KJ4EGZ attempt a contact with the International Space Station
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
17 October 2008
K4S Jamboree on the Air Station is on the Air
This afternoon Philip, KA4KOE, Ralph W4REQ, Doug KF4EFP, and myself hung antennas at the Oglethorpe Speedway JOTA site and got two stations on the air. Murphy's Law was in full effect as several problems popped up while hanging antennas (line failures and equipment failures!). Philip also had some problems getting his "Green" radio up and running, but it did get going on 80-meters using his homebrew antenna. We also got my FT-897D up and running on a G5RV Jr. antenna.
Operating as K4S, we made a few contacts in the evening on 40-meters and 20-meters. On 40-meters we worked N2Y, another JOTA station in Syracuse, NY. On 20-meters, I got an initial signal check from the Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.300 then worked K7P, the Cama Beach Special Event Station in Washington state followed by WD5JB and KE5SPE in Texas.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Operating as K4S, we made a few contacts in the evening on 40-meters and 20-meters. On 40-meters we worked N2Y, another JOTA station in Syracuse, NY. On 20-meters, I got an initial signal check from the Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.300 then worked K7P, the Cama Beach Special Event Station in Washington state followed by WD5JB and KE5SPE in Texas.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
16 October 2008
K5S - East Ship Island, MS Activation
This afternoon while dialing through the 40m band, I happened upon the station K5S calling CQ on 7.243 LSB. Hearing a 1x1 callsign, I answered his CQ passing and receiving a 59 signal report. After I made my contact with the station, it immediately became apparent that he had a good sized pileup.
I had not yet had the chance to look them up when K5S announced that they were a special event station activating East Ship Island, MS. The further explained that this was the first time that East Ship Island had been activated. The island has the IOTA number NA-082, US Island Number MS009S, and Lighthouse number USA-756.
For more information, take a look at their website: http://www.k5s-na082.com/
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I had not yet had the chance to look them up when K5S announced that they were a special event station activating East Ship Island, MS. The further explained that this was the first time that East Ship Island had been activated. The island has the IOTA number NA-082, US Island Number MS009S, and Lighthouse number USA-756.
For more information, take a look at their website: http://www.k5s-na082.com/
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
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