Tones for CAL FIRE?

[Stringer619]

CTCSS for CAL FIRE?

I need to listen to the CAL FIRE command and tactical channels. What CTCSS code do I use for San Diego county?

CDF CMD 1------151.355
CDF CMD 2------151.265
CDF CMD 3------151.340
CDF CMD 4------151.400
CDF CMD 5------151.370
CDF CMD 6------151.250
CDF CMD 7------151.460
CDF CMD 8------151.445
CDF CMD 9------151.175
CDF CMD 10-----151.190
CDF TAC 1------151.145
CDF TAC 2------151.160
CDF TAC 3------151.175
CDF TAC 4------151.190
CDF TAC 5------151.250
CDF TAC 6------151.325
CDF TAC 7------151.340
CDF TAC 8------151.370
CDF TAC 9------151.385
CDF TAC 10-----151.400
CDF TAC 11-----151.445
CDF TAC 12-----151.460
CDF TAC 13-----151.475
CDF TAC 14-----159.225
CDF TAC 15-----159.270
CDF TAC 16-----159.285
CDF TAC 17-----159.315
CDF TAC 18-----159.345
CDF TAC 19-----159.360
CDF TAC 20-----159.375
CDF TAC 21-----159.390
CDF TAC 22-----159.405
CDF TAC 23-----159.450

TONE 1 = 110.9 Hz
TONE 2 = 123.0 Hz
TONE 3 = 131.8 Hz
TONE 4 = 136.5 Hz
TONE 5 = 146.2 Hz
TONE 6 = 156.7 Hz
TONE 7 = 167.9 Hz
TONE 8 = 103.5 Hz
TONE 9 = 100.0 Hz
TONE 10 = 107.2 Hz
TONE 11 = 114.8 Hz
TONE 12 = 127.3 Hz
TONE 13 = 141.3 Hz
TONE 14 = 151.4 Hz
TONE 15 = 162.2 Hz
TONE 16 = 192.8 Hz

And when they say "Respond on CMD 3, Tone 14, TAC 5", is the tone irrellivant to me as a listener? From what I understand it is only needed for the units transmitting, but to listen to CMD 3 and TAC 5, I simply need to have the correct CTCSS for San Diego county? If they transmit on, lets say, CMD 3 Tone 10 or CMD 3 Tone 14, I'll still hear it either way correct? I'm concerned when I hear them specify a specific tone, thinking it means I need to listen in to the specified CMD and TAC but with a specific CTCSS?

 

[Stringer619]

I'm hearing dispatches (the same as CDF DISP 10A on the RCS) on 159.225 with CTCSS 136.5, loud and clear. This is in the database as CDF Tac 14, but the CTCSS is listed as 192.8. My scanner shows it as "CDF TAC 14".

A tone-out of "beep beep beep" went out on 151.190 with CTCSS 131.8, again loud and clear, which this time is in the database as "Monte Vista ECC (San Diego)" and in my scanner as "CDF CMD 10".

 

[W6KRU]

The tones aren't really needed. They are only used to select which repeater they are accessing. The repeater does not retransmit the tones.The only CMD channels used by MVU are 1, 2, and 3. You will also need Border CMD 153.995 w/tone 110.9. Use the tone on that one to minimize interference from Mexico.

Here is a map of repeater sites and their tones

 

[Stringer619]

So to clarify, I only need the following CMD frequencies?

CDF CMD 1 ---- 151.355000 ---- 103.5
CDF CMD 2 ---- 151.265000 ---- 103.5
CDF CMD 3 ---- 151.340000 ---- 103.5

And by "MVU" I assume that is equivilent to saying "San Diego CALFIRE"? What CTCSS should I use? I see 103.5 is the statewide one.. is there a local one or is the local and statewide the same?

And what is "Border CMD"? What is the appropriate CTCSS?

Are only certain TAC frequencies used by MVU? What CTCSS for those?

 

[Stringer619]

151.190 with a CTCSS of 131.8 is in the database as "Monte Vista ECC (San Diego)" and alphatagged as "33 MVU L". Is this the frequency they're referencing when they say "respond on local"?

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

 

[W6KRU]

Yes, you only need those 3 frequencies.

Monte Vista Unit(MVU) is SD Calfire. The MVU Local net is on 151.190 w/tone 131.8.

Border CMD details are in my first post

The TAC channels assigned to MVU are 5 and 8 w/tone 192.8. You will have to be very close to the fireground to hear them since they are not repeated.

 

[Stringer619]

I mean what is Border CMD, as in.. what is it used for? Only vegetation fires at the border?

Here is my list... I think I got it right? San Diego CALFIRE uses the statewide CMD 1 through 3 and TAC5 & 8 frequency (although I left all them in with the statewide CTCSS of 192.8).

CDF CMD 1 --------- 151.355000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 103.5
CDF CMD 2 --------- 151.265000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 103.5
CDF CMD 3 --------- 151.340000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 103.5

CDF MVU LOCAL ----- 151.190000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 131.8

CDF TAC 1 --------- 151.145000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 2 --------- 151.160000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 3 --------- 151.175000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 4 --------- 151.190000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 5 --------- 151.250000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 6 --------- 151.325000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 7 --------- 151.340000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 8 --------- 151.370000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 9 --------- 151.385000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 10 -------- 151.400000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 11 -------- 151.445000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 12 -------- 151.460000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 13 -------- 151.475000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 14 -------- 159.225000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 15 -------- 159.270000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 16 -------- 159.285000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 17 -------- 159.315000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 18 -------- 159.345000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 19 -------- 159.360000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 20 -------- 159.375000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 21 -------- 159.390000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 22 -------- 159.405000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8
CDF TAC 23 -------- 159.450000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 192.8

FOREST NET -------- 168.750000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 103.5

BORDER CMD -------- 153.995000 ---- NFM ---- CTCSS ---- 110.9

 

[W6KRU]

That looks good although you have a lot of TAC channels that you will never hear.

 

[W6KRU]

Oh yeah, Border CMD is the CMD channel that is used for a lot of the fires down by the border. There is a corresponding Border TAC 156.675.

 

[Duster]

I'm hearing dispatches (the same as CDF DISP 10A on the RCS) on 159.225 with CTCSS 136.5, loud and clear. This is in the database as CDF Tac 14, but the CTCSS is listed as 192.8. My scanner shows it as "CDF TAC 14".

A tone-out of "beep beep beep" went out on 151.190 with CTCSS 131.8, again loud and clear, which this time is in the database as "Monte Vista ECC (San Diego)" and in my scanner as "CDF CMD 10".

Here's how the tones work for receive only in the CAL FIRE system:

CAL FIRE frequencies are almost all reused around the state as Locals, Tacs, and Commands. CTCSS tones are used to minimize interference. This is why you are hearing traffic on two different channels in your radios; they are the same FREQUENCY, but using different CTCSS. In this instance, both MVU L and CDF CMD 10 use the output frequency of 151.190...the use of the receive CT tone allows them to "share the air".

The 3-beep (beep-beep-beep) is what we call a "pre-alert". It is used to preface a Code 3 dispatch. You will also likely hear a 2-beep alert, which is used to preface Code 2 responses or used to get the attention of the frequency, usually for priority traffic or to divert a resource.

IF you have a scanner that can decode CTCSS, do this:
- On MVU Local, put the CT of 131.8
- On all CDF CMD's (1-10), put the CT of 103.5
- On all CDF Tac's, put the CT of 192.8

The tone announced on dispatch is for transmitting only to access the proper repeater. DDan was correct in that the tone does not pass through to the receive side. All repeaters transmit the same receive tone throughout the unit, in MVU's case the tone 131.8.

If there are other Local nets you want to hear, check the CAL FIRE page here in the database. I have made sure that the CT tones showing for the different frequencies and uses are accurate for RECEIVING. Also, read the explanations of the CAL FIRE system at the top of the CAL FIRE page...it may further clarify how the system works.

DDan is correct that only certain frequencies are NORMALLY used in each geographical area. Local and Command nets are hardwired to certain repeater sites, so the same ones will always be used in a geographical area in normal circumstances. The exception: Major incidents can set up portable repeaters and use other Nets not normally assigned in the area, with permission of the Regional Operations Center (South OPS for you there).

Along the same lines, each Unit has specific tac nets assigned to them for day-to-day use. My records show that MVU is pre-authorized for the use of Tacs 5 and 8. However, once again, if there is a need, South OPS can authorize the use of any available tac net as long as it doesn't interfere with nearby units (ie: A tac net that is the same frequency as a neighboring units Local net). For that reason, I would recommend that you keep all the frequencies in your scanner, but lockout all the frequencies your area normally doesn't use. That way, when you break a large incident, you don't have to reprogram...just unlock the frequencies you hear being used.

Oh yeah, the traffic you are hearing on 159.2250 is Monte Vista ECC transmitting calls to the repeater, which will rebroadcast it on 151.1900. Since you are getting 136.5 as a tone, they were transmitting to the Tone 4 repeater. You must live relatively closely to the ECC (or with good line-of-sight) if you are receiving them that well. You will hear traffic on that frequency with different CT tones (whatever CT tones they use to access different repeaters around the unit) but you will only hear the corresponding repeater output on 151.1900 on the repeaters you have good reception from.

If you have any other questions about CAL FIRE, let me know.

 

[K6CDO]

Oh yeah, Border CMD is the CMD channel that is used for a lot of the fires down by the border. There is a corresponding Border TAC 156.675.

"Border TAC" does not exist by that name today (and the frequency you have listed is incorrect). There will be a new TAC channel soon (probably next season).

Under the 1990s US - Mexico Border Task Force agreement (which established the channel), the TAC channel is CALCORD (156.075). Under the Statewide Mutual Aid Radio System policies, CALCORD is to have no other name used.

Someone listed it in a scanner list as "Border TAC" and it "took off," getting listed by that name in the radio programming list.

 

[W6KRU]

Thanks Don for keeping the info correct and providing missing details. I had two freqs. for Border TAC. I'm not sure where the wrong one came from. I use a lot of lists to compile my list since there is no single place to get an authoritative list.

 

[jthrush]

Cal Fire MVU

Here's how the tones work for receive only in the CAL FIRE system:


.........If there are other Local nets you want to hear, check the CAL FIRE page here in the database. I have made sure that the CT tones showing for the different frequencies and uses are accurate for RECEIVING. Also, read the explanations of the CAL FIRE system at the top of the CAL FIRE page...it may further clarify how the system works........

If you have any other questions about CAL FIRE, let me know.

This is great info and thanks for keeping it up to date. Do you have a list of Fire Tone Outs (FTO) for MVU stations or units and do you have a 2015 Frequency load for MVU units?

 

[SCPD]

If you have any interference on a CDF, or for that matter any other frequency, having the repeater output tone in the scanner may eliminate much of the interference. It eliminates some interference I experience on a few frequencies I monitor all the time.