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
24 November 2008
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
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