Does any know what freq. the news choppers are on in Memphis

[kpoe_28]

I'm looking for the freqs. that news channel 3 and 5 helicopters are on in Memphis? Any info would be great!

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[INDY72]

I don't know about the business freqs they may be on, but for aeronautical of course, try the International Airport Freqs and these- 123.050
123.075
123.025

 

[kpoe_28]

Thanks for the reply....I'm looking for the business freqs.

Thanks again,
Kevin

 

[fireEmt5281]

Kevin,

NEWSCHANNEL3's chopper can be found by monitoring 450.3875,

ACTIONNEWS5's chopper was on 450.4500, but haven't heard them in some time.

Hope this helps.

Don

 

[kpoe_28]

Thanks for the info!!!!

Kevin

 

[ronmchandler]

Don, I'm in Germantown. Is there a scanner that can decode the Memphis Police Dept Astro system? Seems like I remember you posting an answer to that question last year. I quit scanning for awhile, but am not starting back again and would like to research the possibilities of cracking the Memphis Astro system. Any detail you can provide is appreciated.
RonC

 

[suttles1972]

Don, I'm in Germantown. Is there a scanner that can decode the Memphis Police Dept Astro system? Seems like I remember you posting an answer to that question last year. I quit scanning for awhile, but am not starting back again and would like to research the possibilities of cracking the Memphis Astro system. Any detail you can provide is appreciated.
RonC

Hi Ron. I'm not Don, but to answer your question, the answer will be no. VSELP is the first ASTRO system in the ASTRO family. Systems like this are being vamped out, due to many reasons. But to say the least, incompatiablility, equipment replacement and it's age of service are some of the main reasons for vacating such systems.
Because of this and due to some possible proprietary standards, like M/A -Tyco, scanner manufacturers never took on to monitoring VSELP systems.
However, with hopes of Homeland Security funds, an upgrade is in the making for a county-wide ASTRO IMBE system for Memphis-Shelby County.

 

[ronmchandler]

Thanks for your answer. I can only hope the new system will be an APCO 25 based system. I believe that system can be monitored using the Uniden and GRE digital scanners. Hopefully, it will be soon. :wink:

 

[tafische]

Problem is I would imagine any new system would be encryped. Scanning would be difficult.

 

[memphislawenforcer]

I was told by a radio tech that it would be IMBE and I heard from someone else that it would probably be 2006 before it was up and running.

 

[INDY72]

According to the rumors.. itll be a ASTRO 3.6 KBPS, or ASTRO-25, and yes the digital scanners will track those,.. the only encrypted groups will be some Special Investigations, SWAT, IAD, and Narcotics stuff... but we won't really know anything for sure till its up and running, if it ever gets done.

 

[tafische]

I am involved with some of these agencies, and if it can be encrypted - I can not imagine it would not be.

What incentive do they have to leave them unencrypted?

 

[INDY72]

What incentive do they have to go fully encrypted for all users??? If this was the case.. SCSO would go full AEGIS 24/7 yes? And dont say they dont know they have that capability, they know. We even have members of Memphis PD, and FD on this board. Sure there are certian groups that encryption might be the way to go, as I mentioned- Narcotics, IAD, S.W.A.T., and a few others.... but with the Mobile Data Systems in use these days.... you don't even have to put sensitive stuff over the air. Not to mention that most of the TN LEA's I know are not only smart eneough to know this, but are not as paranoid as say Florida????

 

[tafische]

You may be right....it is my opinion. I hope you are! I would like to be able to listen in.

My department (fire) is still conventional, but if we ever went digital trunked I would bet we would go encrypted. The reason - HIPPA. They have gotten so paranoid about what they say on the air. The dispatchers no longer give any info out over the air. We rarely give any patient info out from the scene.

While putting in encryption is not the total answer, I believe it would go a long way in our 'due dilligence'. I would imagine other departments would want to do the same.

As far as PD, I am no expert there. But I would also imagine after Sept 11, they would want as much encrypted as possible on their side. I could also see there being a federal mandate in place for encryption if it is purchased from federal grant money.

Anyway - that is my 2c....

 

[suttles1972]

System Encryption

Remember. If you totally encrypt a system, the media will have a frenzy. In most jurisdictions, the fire and ems are left unencrypted. PD is a different story. Many of your tactical talkgroups may be in encrypted in most jurisdictions with Motorola systems. That's usually a typical setup, except in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville's system has all police traffic encrypted, throughout the entire county. Fire and EMS remains unencrypted and is the only talkgroups you can monitor there. I'm unclear on what kind of program the media has with the PD's. But most avid scanner listeners have really raised the ceiling on this matter, since this Moto IMBE system has been in service.

 

[memphislawenforcer]

Well just a few things to point out I work for MPD and I can tell you they do not have mobile data up and running they have it but they have no dispatch capabilities, for police I think fire uses it. As for the media I think they are given the opportunity to purchase a radio that is set up by teh radio techs and is listen only, to boot they only put in the primary channels North south east west central downtown southeast northeast and maybe traffic. But they can only listen to the primaries no car to car or city wide channels. That is the only way to monitor the system because a scanner will not pick it up.

 

[INDY72]

Also encrypting fire coms poses hazards. Encrypting the Law Enforcement part of Fire is a good idea- Arson Investigations etc,... Encrypting Fireground and Dispatch is just too dangerous.

Using full time encryption for every communication does not stop a bad guy from doing what he wants when he wants,.. all you do is make yourself feel secure because no one can hear you...

Sure on sensitive coms,.. go ahead and encrypt,.. but there is no real need to encrypt say car to car ,.. unless your using it for purposes you have no business too,.. like cussing out another officer or dissing the way things are going.....but why try to hide it with encryption,.. its not secure,.. unless you can garuntee the other party to your coms is not going to talk. Hell you want to do personal conversations, take it to your cell buddy, or do a face to face chat. Sorry for the rant,.. but the over paranoid usage of encryption for EVERY SINGLE THING is just dumb.

Really want whacked? I have heard in chats with some DPW folks from FL, who even wanted to run full time encryption on thier ops... encryption??? ON Public Works???? Geez, scared someone might overhear your comming to turn off the water????? Wow that street repave job needs super security huh?

 

[tafische]

Hey...I agree with you. Actually -- I dont like trunked 800 for fireground at all. I have some serious safety concerns not even having to do with encryption.

Will it be a reality? - we will just have to wait and see.... lets hope not.

 

[ShawnCowden]

Does anyone think that memphis will soon upgrade to apco 25 insted of vselp or whatever they use ??

 

[INDY72]

Yes thier are plans in the works for a combined Shelby County/Memphis Motorola ASTRO IMBE 3600, or a ASTRO-25 TRS,.. from what is being siad, its just a matter of further research, and grants. Its still going to be a couple of years yet. The same thing goes for Warren County in MS.