Mass Snow Plow Freq's?

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EastCoastSunrise

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With the first real storm of the winter upon us I am trying to get my scanner's programming list toped off with plowing frequencies. In looking trough the DB as I think I found a few, but I feel im missing a good chunk. So I am looking for some help finding the plowing frequencies for the Metro Boston Area. Any will do but Id love to hear the mulit truck crews working the interstates, etc. So I can enjoy the from what Ive heard interesting conversations between plow drivers as I sit inside and enjoy the fireplace.


Happy Holidays,
EastCoastSunrise
 

Whiskey3JMC

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Why not utilize the RR database search function to search for the municipalities that haven't been ID'ed in the database yet? Enter town/city name here, when results come up, look at the "svc" column for "PW". Try frequencies listed that aren't code "MO" (mobile). Don't forget to submit your findings to the DB
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Perhaps also try public works tagged talkgroups here. MASS DOT operates there
 
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ecps92

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Most of the plowing Radio traffic has declined over the years.
Operators have assigned routes, and no more need to radio check-in, even on most of the DPW channels :(

Mass DOT is plenty of contractors who use Cellphones with GPS for tracking and the VHF Low is still used by... YMMV

You might be better off with DMR finding the private contractors handling Business lots etc.


With the first real storm of the winter upon us I am trying to get my scanner's programming list toped off with plowing frequencies. In looking trough the DB as I think I found a few, but I feel im missing a good chunk. So I am looking for some help finding the plowing frequencies for the Metro Boston Area. Any will do but Id love to hear the mulit truck crews working the interstates, etc. So I can enjoy the from what Ive heard interesting conversations between plow drivers as I sit inside and enjoy the fireplace.


Happy Holidays,
EastCoastSunrise
 

StoliRaz

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I heard a lot of plowing related ops on various DPW frequencies last winter, Sharon DPW was extremely active. The MSP system will have the Boston DPW on it along with traffic enforcement (for street parking bans)

Also, if your scanner is capable of getting the digital ICE trunk system there are some snow plowing vendors on there. Don't forget about utilities like electric companies, some towns have their own municipal electric (Braintree and Mansfield to name 2, Braintree Electric is on the ICE system. TG 111) who have activity during major storms.

When all else fails try using close call or search for stuff yourself.

I made a bank called "Storm Ops" on one of my scanners, loaded with DPWs and related frequencies named above when we had a huge wind storm back in October. It worked out well for me
 
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EastCoastSunrise

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Thanks for all of the information everyone, so I guess I got most of the plowing channels when I scrolled through the DB the other day. Its unfortunate that so much of the stuff that was on the radios in years past is gone quite. Ill add some of the stuff you all have suggested and Ill run some scans during the bigs storms to see if I find any thing new.

East
 

garys

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Most towns use either their DPW frequencies, cell phones, or some combination.
Boston has specific TGs on Zone 1 of the analog trunk system (as someone pointed out).
The SNE Wiki has information on both private and municipal snow plowing operations. A combination of conventional and trunked systems are used.
Mass DOT uses a combination of Low Band and TGs on Zone 5, but it's mostly going to be supervisors as there are supervisors assigned to the contracted operators on the limited access highways.

Not really a major storm, so you're more likely to find private companies plowing and sanding commercial establishments than street plowing.
 

12dbsinad

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I'm surprised plowing guys would be using cell phones while operating commercial vehicles and plowing snow. That's a recipe for disaster if something happens.
 

StoliRaz

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I'm surprised plowing guys would be using cell phones while operating commercial vehicles and plowing snow. That's a recipe for disaster if something happens.
I agree, it's much easier to key up a mic and talk than to fumble around with a cell phone. Instant communication as well rather than looking up individual numbers and phoning it in. But, sign of the times I guess.

I was hearing a good amount of activity on Wrentham DPW this morning, salting around the library and town buildings. Wait for a plowable storm and you'll hear a lot more.
 

12dbsinad

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I agree, it's much easier to key up a mic and talk than to fumble around with a cell phone. Instant communication as well rather than looking up individual numbers and phoning it in. But, sign of the times I guess.
It would also need to be full hands free/bluetooth or it would be against the law. Not that that matters, I see CDL drivers texting all the time. But I agree, radio is much easier regardless of laws. Plus everyone hears what everyone is saying.
 

StoliRaz

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It would also need to be full hands free/bluetooth or it would be against the law. Not that that matters, I see CDL drivers texting all the time. But I agree, radio is much easier regardless of laws. Plus everyone hears what everyone is saying.
I always wonder, if it's against the law to use a wired radio mic like a CB or even a handheld radio while driving, how do police officers communicate while driving? I mean, they surely have to press a button to key up right? Who is issuing them citations for distracted driving? I thought no one was above the law? 🤔 I'm sure our elected so-called leaders do things far worse that I won't get into.

Beyond that, why can it be a problem to have a scanner sitting in my cupholder yet new cars have 10 gazillion screens and other distractions built into them? Just look at the dashboard of a Tesla and tell me that's not distracting. That TV screen in the center of the dash is like having a gigantic tablet in front of you. If I'm just listening and not touching or looking at it, it's no different from the factory radio in my dashboard. The whole banning of handhelds should be limited to cell phones, and new cars and their built in tablets have made the whole concept obsolete really fast.

I'll stop now, rant over 😆

Edit- here is the MA "hands free" law-


"Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode."

"Not permitted to hold or support any electronic device/phone."

ANY electronic device? Vague..does the wired CB microphone count? Technically it's attached to the mounted CB radio, which isn't being "touched or supported" 🤔
 
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12dbsinad

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I always wonder, if it's against the law to use a wired radio mic like a CB or even a handheld radio while driving, how do police officers communicate while driving? I mean, they surely have to press a button to key up right? Who is issuing them citations for distracted driving? I thought no one was above the law? 🤔 I'm sure our elected so-called leaders do things far worse that I won't get into.

Beyond that, why can it be a problem to have a scanner sitting in my cupholder yet new cars have 10 gazillion screens and other distractions built into them? Just look at the dashboard of a Tesla and tell me that's not distracting. That TV screen in the center of the dash is like having a gigantic tablet in front of you. If I'm just listening and not touching or looking at it, it's no different from the factory radio in my dashboard. The whole banning of handhelds should be limited to cell phones, and new cars and their built in tablets have made the whole concept obsolete really fast.

I'll stop now, rant over 😆
CB's and 2 way radio's are exempt. It is not illegal for a trucker to use a CB, or a delivery driver to use a mobile radio. Most states have adopted exemptions for CB's and 2 way radio's in their wireless device driving laws for regular class C drivers.

Yes, vehicles are getting pretty bad for distractions. More this and that, and humans have become so stupid that when you shut the vehicle off it tells you to check the back seat for your damn kids!! Come on!
 

garys

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Exemption for emergency vehicles,

This section shall not apply to public safety personnel or emergency first responders using a mobile electronic device while operating an emergency services vehicle and engaged in the performance of their duties.

There is no exemption for ham radio operators, truck drivers, tow truck drivers, or cab drivers, but I've never heard of anyone being cited.

I don't think there is going to be an epidemic of snow plow crashes if the drivers have GPS enable phones in their trucks. The alternative is either them buying their own radios or municipalities providing them. Around here towns are desperate for plow drivers, so I don't see them requiring drivers to buy radios.
 

ecps92

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Bluetooth is a wonderful invention and is part of 90% of on-board entertainment packages for todays vehicles [cars/trucks/suvs]
I'm surprised plowing guys would be using cell phones while operating commercial vehicles and plowing snow. That's a recipe for disaster if something happens.
 

garys

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My smart phone sits in a dash mounted cradle and connects to the stereo via BT. I can make phone calls, navigate via Waze, and use other apps without taking my hands of the steering wheel.

I think of it as a mini MDT, as it's so useful. ;)

Isn't the 21st Century marvelous?

Bluetooth is a wonderful invention and is part of 90% of on-board entertainment packages for todays vehicles [cars/trucks/suvs]
Y
 

cg

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In the past, the MADOT subcontractors were required to have their MADOT phones on when they were plowing, It was used for tracking purposes to prevent someone from finding a place to snooze or from taking a 2 hour lunch. I think they were Nextels then. Now, it wouldn't be too hard to create a custom app for personal phones with the same requirement of being on when working for the state.

chris
 

12dbsinad

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Exemption for emergency vehicles,

This section shall not apply to public safety personnel or emergency first responders using a mobile electronic device while operating an emergency services vehicle and engaged in the performance of their duties.

There is no exemption for ham radio operators, truck drivers, tow truck drivers, or cab drivers, but I've never heard of anyone being cited.

I don't think there is going to be an epidemic of snow plow crashes if the drivers have GPS enable phones in their trucks. The alternative is either them buying their own radios or municipalities providing them. Around here towns are desperate for plow drivers, so I don't see them requiring drivers to buy radios.
There is in fact a exemption for 2 way radio's including Ham's in Mass.

A new distracted driving law was passed in 2019 and went into effect on February 23, 2020. It states, in pertinent part, that,

“No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled, except that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed 2–way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.”
 

StoliRaz

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CB's and 2 way radio's are exempt. It is not illegal for a trucker to use a CB, or a delivery driver to use a mobile radio. Most states have adopted exemptions for CB's and 2 way radio's in their wireless device driving laws for regular class C drivers.

Yes, vehicles are getting pretty bad for distractions. More this and that, and humans have become so stupid that when you shut the vehicle off it tells you to check the back seat for your damn kids!! Come on!
Some people would forget their heads if they weren't attached to their shoulders these days 🙃
 

garys

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Thanks for finding that. I started to read through that entire section, but my eyes glazed over.

There is in fact a exemption for 2 way radio's including Ham's in Mass.

A new distracted driving law was passed in 2019 and went into effect on February 23, 2020. It states, in pertinent part, that,

“No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled, except that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed 2–way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.”
 
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