35MHz skip from France, ASF Sud system

[radionx]

Hi everyone

I was wondering if you have ever heard the french 35MHz ASFA system over in the Americas (or other places).
F2 on 35MHz should be easily possible.

12,5KHz steps between 34.9 and 36.2 MHz.

My TRX-1 has this range in the bandplan FRANCE, it's preprogrammed.

It's an advanced MPT1327 alike from the early 80's, still in service.

French ASFA comms, 35MHz - YouTube

Autoroutes du Sud de la France — Wikipédia (wikipedia.org)

 

[Dispatrick]

Any tones used with the transmissions? PL or DPL?

Also do you have a list of any of the specific freqs within that band range? I'm gonna program them into my skip test bank.
Thanks!

 

[radionx]

Hi Dispatrick
The system uses PL tones, but it is not known to me which ones. Also, I cannot tell you exact frequencies to pinpoint tx sites, sadly.
The ASF serves the whole region of southern france. That's why they opted for 35MHz. The antannas and coils they mount on the cars are large.

Safest bet is to scan between 34.9 and 36.2 MHz in 12.5Khz steps NFM.

I'm really hoping to hear them again this cycle...

 

[radionx]

Here is a picture of a car with antanna for this system:
Their job is https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrouilleur_autoroutier

https://images.lanouvellerepublique.fr/image/upload/t_1020w/f_auto/62e2733f85eddd790a8b4595.jpg

 

[radionx]

Here are some pictures of the devices still in use, mentioned as DDE:

Mods ATR 423-425

Reminds me of a Motorola Staccato.

Design of the system was done in the early 80s.

And as it seems...these 35MHz signals are hopping around well via F2!

 

[radionx]

So, if you want to find out about some TX-sites...try this site:

Index of /frequences

The frequencies are mentioned as "DDE"

Examples here:

Fréquences Scanner en France - 30 Gard

Fréquences Scanner en France - 09 Ariège

Fréquences Scanner en France - 13 Bouches du Rhone

Fréquences Scanner en France - 48 Lozère

 

[spongella]

That's a great catch, thanks for sharing. The MUF must be getting high these days.

 

[radionx]

Most TX sites are located inside the red circles. You can narrow down the skip zone then.

 

[Dispatrick]

Full channel plan!

Fréquences Scanner en France - Plan de fréquences DDE

 

[pro2004]

Any tones used with the transmissions? PL or DPL?

Also do you have a list of any of the specific freqs within that band range? I'm gonna program them into my skip test bank.
Thanks!

I monitored this system with PL's noted yesterday Feb 13 at around 1100 EST Eastern Ontario.
ST2 Antenna 15 ft off ground.

35.2500 192.8
35.3500 110.9
35.4875 91.5
35.5500 110.9
35.6375 110.9
35.6625 114.8 L
35.6750 118.8 ( highest signal strength in screenshot)
35.7875 136.5
35.8375 127.3
35.9125 136.5
35.9250 110.9 & 118.8
36.0750 110.9

 

[radionx]

This is it, it shows the typical pattern!

 

[radionx]

I found a video on youtube where you can see them at work:
Around 44:48, you see an ASF bus with 2 antannas mounted.

At time 45:27, you might hear the distinct polytone in the background.

 

[kkn50]

Great signals from them today into central Alabama. Almost continuous, one after another.

 

[radionx]

Great report!

I have been down there a few weeks ago. The cars and trucks were still mounted with long antennas.

We hear you guys all the time on CB...F2 seems to be very active again. 38 LSB...OH, PA, SC.