Blue Ridge Parkway now P25?

[jeffmulter]

Two concerns I would have with the Wiki information ...

First, it contains more frequency info than what is already posted in the N.C. section of the RR frequency database (under "federal"), but some of the NAC info is also different for the two info sources.

Second, I am under the impression - maybe I'm wrong - that frequency information is supposed to be in the frequency database. Otherwise, the database search functions are useless, since the search function doesn't query the wikis.

It is also unclear whether the new Uniden Home Patrol scanner can load frequency info from the wikis, which defeats a key advantage of this new scanner.

Maybe the frequency info from the wiki can be submitted to the admins for entry in the database.

 

[trumpetman]

Jeff,

I thought it might be a good idea to combine all the information from the NC federal database, VA federal database, NC forum, and VA forum into one easily edited wiki page until we can clean up the federal pages and post them there. The frequencies will wind up in the database for sure, but the wiki page was a project out of boredom and was just a stepping stone to get information organized so others can comment before the information is submited.

 

[KE4ZNR]

It is also unclear whether the new Uniden Home Patrol scanner can load frequency info from the wikis, which defeats a key advantage of this new scanner.

Sentinel (Home Patrol Software) will only show info from the RR.com database that has been geotagged. That is why it is so important to make sure the latest and greatest verified info is submitted so we can updated the RR.com database and in turn make sure HP (and every other radio) has accurate info.

Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[trumpetman]

Just to bump this thread for those interested. The Blue Ridge Parkway Wiki is almost complete. Anyone who can confirm/contribute information would be greatly appreciated. Once the wiki is updated & confirmed, I'll double check the entry on the NC Federal DB for any discrepancies. Those of you out west, a DPL for Cowee Bald would be awesome, and if those of you in the NE mountains could figure Doughton Mtn. out we'd be set. DPL/NAC matching is another biggie, if you have the capability, it'll help confirm the site & tone pair. There's a larger thread in Virginia if you're interested in some more details.

Thanks!

 

[mjsaunders66]

P25 Questions

I live in the Triad and have always been able to pick up the old BRP freq clearly. I have a 796D and after plugging in all the new BRP freq's I am not getting anything. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?

 

[trumpetman]

Add 172.7500. 172.7250, 173.7625, & 172.4500 in CSQ and see if you can get any traffic on that over the next few days. I've heard them fine in Asheville & Charlotte over the past few days so I'm sure you'd be able to at least get something in the Triad.

 

[W2NJS]

The USPS P25 channels in the area are usually pretty quiet. Last week during the rainstorm there was a ton of activity on Skyline Drive, with floods, trees down, etc., all of it North of Reeds Gap. I got the impression that the new P25 channels are used on both BRP and Skyline Drive. Another point I should mention is that my receiver, an APX7000, decodes a radio's ID, and in all cases the transmitted ID did not match the verbal ID being used, so is the transmitted ID for the Ranger or the car, which in most cases is actually an SUV?

 

[ecps92]

The P25 Radio ID is typically the ID of the particular radio [No duplicates]

Some Agencies try and program them to reflect Cruiser #'s and/or Badge #'s

The USPS P25 channels in the area are usually pretty quiet. Last week during the rainstorm there was a ton of activity on Skyline Drive, with floods, trees down, etc., all of it North of Reeds Gap. I got the impression that the new P25 channels are used on both BRP and Skyline Drive. Another point I should mention is that my receiver, an APX7000, decodes a radio's ID, and in all cases the transmitted ID did not match the verbal ID being used, so is the transmitted ID for the Ranger or the car, which in most cases is actually an SUV?

 

[EZlistener]

I loaded the new Pakway freqs and NAC codes into my Astro Spectra and heard a few brief transmissions from the Mt Pisgah repeater yesterday (Sunday). No info on imput freqs or codes yet, I was too far away to monitor. Have a new PSR600, so need to do some Parkway cruising.

 

[Shawnlin20]

Any input frequencies for the P25 Blue Ridge Parkway?

 

[SCPD]

Delete

 

[EZlistener]

I don't live close enough to the Parkway to hear inputs, but since this is a relatively new Federal system, they will likely lie between 162.025 and 166.7875 mhz. You might put your scanner in search and find something worth sharing. Units typically check in with dispatch at 0700 each morning.

 

[Shawnlin20]

Thanks EZ!

 

[Jasonyohon]

Why no FCC License?

Can someone explain to me why the park service does not have to have a license? Federal agencies are exempt from licensing requirements?!

 

[EZlistener]

No, other than this is how Federal Government radio systems have always been. They are not licensed or regulated by the Communications Commission, which regulates private land mobile radio systems (and much more), but by the NTIA, which provides similar co-ordination and technical standard-setting as the Commission does for PLMR.

 

[ecps92]

No they are not exempt
They do have a license. Federal Agencies license thru the NTIA/DoC and that information is no-longer (if I recall the Reagan days) available to the GP (General Public)

NTIA Callsigns look very similar to FCC Call signs

Can someone explain to me why the park service does not have to have a license? Federal agencies are exempt from licensing requirements?!

 

[nd5y]

https://www.ntia.doc.gov/office/OSM
https://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/interdepartment-radio-advisory-committee-irac

 

[Jasonyohon]

OK, good to know. Thanks for clarifying that, it's been bugging me for years.

I don't think the current RR database is complete for the BRP. The listed channels do work, but there is definitely more to it. Their system is uber complicated (always changing) and seems to cause constant confusion with the rangers.

I think I saw a tower at a ranger station that is not listed in the RR database.