Motorola Wave Skywarn/Storm Chasing

[sgtmatt]

I noticed more and more that storm chasers are starting to use Motorola Wave TLK's. I was just wondering if the frequencies they are using are considered public use frequencies or are they affiliated with whatever groups there running off of. I remember there were various channels you could join on zello when that was popular. I was just curious as to how this worked.

 

[ScannerSK]

It appears these radios operate on the LTE cellular network. So, they operate on cellphone frequencies which cannot be monitored. If similar to Zello, they may have a website showing public groups with and without passwords which can be joined online. If not similar to Zello, a person would likely be required to own one of these radios and obtain permission from the group to join.

 

[sgtmatt]

Thanks, I've been trying to find some kind of listing but haven't had much luck, I'm sure there's something out there somewhere

 

[Motoballa]

In regards to the TLK series specifically, they operate on the Verizon 4G LTE network and use the Kodiak PTT service, which is rebranded for Motorola. AT&T EPTT also uses Kodiak but rebranded as well, so if you ever see the dispatch console or phone apps they are identical and operate exactly the same just with respective branding. These virtual talkgroups on Kodiak cannot be monitored unless you have a login.

For local stuff, our NWS office lists all of the local Skywarn repeaters by county: NWS Ft. Worth North Texas Skywarn Repeater Directory - You may check and see if your local office does the same thing.

I did a quick Google search and it looks like 146.55 is a common simplex frequency for hams that chase, I'm sure this greatly varies by area:
Subcategory: Regional SkyWarn Networks/Amateur Storm Chasers (Weather)
Storm Chasers/Radio Use?
Does anyone know what type of radios the chasers use to communicate with each other and whether there is a designated frequency?

Hope that helps