NPS Guadalupe Mountains National Park (GUMO), not receiving any traffic

[SkepticalEd]

Hi all. I recently got back into scanning after a very long pause. The scanners I had were analog only, so I got a BCD996P2, but I don't hear any traffic from GUMO or Carlsbad Caverns. In the past, GUMO Bush Mountain repeater was an output of 164.425, input of 164.9875, (don't remember the tone) and was two King 5-watt portables with a duplexer, created by a fellow I knew. It had really good range. Now, I've got 169.7125 in my 996P2, and I don't hear a thing. In 2018, I went backpacking up to Bush Mountain, and took a photo of the tower. There's two high-gain antennas, assuming both VHF, so I don't know why I hear no traffic from backcountry rangers like I used to. Any suggestions or insight would be appreciated. I'm also posting a similar thread specific to Carlsbad Caverns in the NM category. Thanks.

 

[SkepticalEd]

 

[letarotor]

For whatever unknown reason, I believe the National Park frequencies went encrypted a number of years ago. I do remember the NPS radios, as well as people reporting the lack of traffic, were reportedly no longer in the clear. I can't confirm for sure if this is true and I don't know if it has encompassed all of the parks at this time either. Hopefully this is not the case but I do remember this topic some six or seven years ago I believe it was.

You might want to try searching between just above 162.55 (NWS) and up through 174 HHz and see if you find anything? And make sure that you do have the right service turned on for the National Park Rangers in the scanner. I can't remember exactly what that category/service is titled in the 996P2. But if it's not activated then that service/category of traffic won't cause the scanner to stop when they talk.

Is it possible they have changed their frequencies? And since you mentioned getting the digital scanner, I am Just wondering if you're sure they've gone digital as well?

I haven't had a chance to get out to Carlsbad or any of the parks in that region in a long time so I'm not really sure what may be getting used myself.

These or just a few things that come to mind thinking of what might prevent you from hearing any traffic.

Hopefully, they are still in the clear and you will hear them soon. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Brian
COMMSCAN

 

[rattlerbb01]

Bummer, I’m going to both places in mid July with the family. I’ll see what I can find on the SDR screen. This well and the next two my drivers are covering are in the Whites City, NM area so I will be there close to the caverns a few times between now and then.