What makes a discrete freq discrete vs the non-discrete freqs? I've read several articles but am still not clear.
Discrete refers to segregating an operation from the the normal traffic being worked.
The problem is I can find a lot of examples where this is not the case. Here's one.
AFF3ZBW SHELTON RCAG 128.1 LOW
AFF3ZBW SHELTON RCAG 134.0 LOW DISCRETE
There is no obvious operational difference between the two sectors. 134.0 is shown on the charts while 128.10 is not.
ATCTech,
Interesting concept, although I don't think they envisioned thousands of aircraft airborne at the same time over the US back in 1970. I can't see how that idea would make any sense ? They have a hard time keeping up with transponder codes and there are 4096 of those available.
I was a controller for 33 years , towers, centers and apch/dep controls . A discrete frequency which was the original question , usually UHF ( when military / I did both civil also ) )was used when a special operation was underway , like the SR71 flying over at speeds you wouldnt believe. ...this was only one use they had . Strange I worked 3 or 4 presidential aircraft durring my career , they'd use the reg freqs , but that was 1970-- 2013 ...a longgg time ago ...including Trump in and out of PBI 100s of times long before these days ...
What you're referring to is the Tactical Frequency, ........Some places might use different terminology, but that is not the discreet that is being referred to in this thread.
In 2 of the 5 ARTCCs I worked in, they called it "discrete" as well.