How Do You Search Or Scan The Federal Bands?

[JASII]

I am just wondering how you search or scan the federal bands? Some years back I tried to gather the PL/DPL tones for as many federal frequencies as I could. That way it reduced interference and I didn't here DVP if they used it. More recently, however, I have started to search or scan once analog with PL/DPL search ON and a second tine digital to find the NAC Code(s). It seems like I am finding more and more frequencies with more than one NAC Code.

Also, as time goes on, are you finding fewer and fewer analog federal frequencies? Or, for that matter, are the days of analog frequencies that are carrier squelch almost history? I used to here a Postal Service frequency near me that had USPS truck drivers using it. They were plain analog FM and simple carrier squelch! They no longer use that frequency, however.

 

[Ensnared]

The Elusive Ones

There are several threads associated with Federal monitoring in the RR DB. You can review these if you like; however, this is a good place to start: MT Fed Files

The author of this blog has a column in Monitoring Times magazine, Fed Files. You can find Monitoring Times in many chain book stores such as Barnes & Noble. Monitoring Times focuses on a variety of radio-related topics. What interests me are Scanning Report and Fed Files.

From what I understand, Federal entities don't have to go through the normal FCC pathways for their operating frequencies. This is where the fun begins. There are various search limits for the federal bands, since they can show up in odd places. Again, there are many threads associated with these scan limits.

For instance, here in Waco, Texas, the Feds blend into the woodwork of existing radio systems here in town. Yes, there are some active federal frequencies in town, but most are encrypted & low power.

If you have have compatible RR account for downloading, you can find Federal frequencies in most counties. Many of these are listed under "Federal", but sometimes, you need to look under "Transportation" to find things like TSA and FAA, etc.

There used to be a book called the "Top Secret Registry of Government Radio Frequencies", but this is likely outdated. I also found this interesting "dated" book which has an interesting table of contents: Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies: H. Ward Silver: 9780764595820: Amazon.com: Books

Truthfully, I believe RR and the aforementioned Monitoring Times are truly excellent sources of information regarding Federal Monitoring, my favorite area of scanning.

Since you didn't include what type of radio you are using or the programming software, I will share my preferences. I prefer using Win500 for my programming software. I also use a GRE PSR 500.

For most Federal Frequencies in "conventional mode", I will set my mode to "Auto" & set squelch to "search." From what I'm understanding, most of the DEA frequencies use NAC 156 according to the aforementioned author of Fed Files.

Also, remember to consult the "Nationwide" frequencies in the RR DB.

In my opinion, Homeland Insecurity has not been to kind to Federal Monitoring.

Good luck. "Onward through the fog."

 

[JASII]

.....In my opinion, Homeland Insecurity has not been to kind to Federal.Monitoring.....

What exactly do you mean. Are they not using the radio and instead using cell phones, are they using encryption, or do you mean something else?

I will add that in my area federal searching and scanner is somewhat better now than a few years back because I would often get mixing, inter-modulation distortion,etc from other powerful VHF signals. Now that many local public safety agencies have gone to an 800 mHz digital, trunked system, it is much easier to search and scan through federal bands. Also, if anybody here still remembers pagers, some of those paging signals mixed and overloaded a lot of consumer grade scanners.

My equipment is a Uniden HP-1 in the vehicle and a BCD996XT at home. I have also used various scanners, commercial radios, and amateur radios over the years.

One thing I have even done in the case of frequencies that are very difficult to track down a PL/DPL or NAC code is use a file that programs in the same frequency with ALL possible PL/DPL codes and then once as digital with NAC search on. That way, at least at some point, I should get the NAC code or PL/DPL even in a very RF rich environment.

 

[Ensnared]

Increased Stealth Operation

What exactly do you mean. Are they not using the radio and instead using cell phones, are they using encryption, or do you mean something else?

I will add that in my area federal searching and scanner is somewhat better now than a few years back because I would often get mixing, inter-modulation distortion,etc from other powerful VHF signals. Now that many local public safety agencies have gone to an 800 mHz digital, trunked system, it is much easier to search and scan through federal bands. Also, if anybody here still remembers pagers, some of those paging signals mixed and overloaded a lot of consumer grade scanners.

My equipment is a Uniden HP-1 in the vehicle and a BCD996XT at home. I have also used various scanners, commercial radios, and amateur radios over the years.

One thing I have even done in the case of frequencies that are very difficult to track down a PL/DPL or NAC code is use a file that programs in the same frequency with ALL possible PL/DPL codes and then once as digital with NAC search on. That way, at least at some point, I should get the NAC code or PL/DPL even in a very RF rich environment.

When I made my statement about Homeland Insecurity, I was referring to the increased climate of secrecy that has surrounded Federal agents, post 9/11. I believe that the Federal-LE bond has been strengthened. Now, they have even more reason to be stealthy. That is all I was saying. Hence, there are a variety of methods being used by federal operatives. Some use a variety of methods for more sensitive information including, but not limited to cell phones & encryption.

One day, I was listening to the US Marshall Service task force talk about a "deep" system repeater which was encrypted & somewhat difficult to navigate based on the detailed instructions given to access that function. Like I said, the Federal agents in this area have blended into the woodwork. I rarely hear Federal communications on Federal frequencies here in Waco. But, I hear them on existing radio systems in the area. In my observations, I have heard frequent mention of "TSA" controlling the joint task force here.

 

[Audiodave1]

Newer all in one scanner/recorder radios have made life much easier when searching out signals. days,weeks and months of searching (no PL/NAC blocks, just wide open searching) and reviewing recordings as time permits.

Most every day I have a radio searching one of the fed ranges and recording whatever it finds. (GRE PSR800) I lockout the problem or identified channels along the way.
Identified channels go into another radio for scanning...(Homepatrol set to record ni a custom favorite list)

Confirmed channels are in a scanlist that is duplicated in home and portable radios.

Dave

 

[BalunKnot]

I rarely hear Federal communications on Federal frequencies here in Waco. But, I hear them on existing radio systems in the area. In my observations, I have heard frequent mention of "TSA" controlling the joint task force here.

Lets hope for everyone's sake that TSA is NOT controlling anything let alone a task force! don't see how they could anyway as they have no law enforcement authority.

Keep the scanner in search mode for the fed band and you will sometimes be surprised what you find. I have found several new freqs in the last year doing this in my home area in NJ. Especially after Hurricane Sandy visited us.

Brian

 

[MOTOROLANUT]

Lets hope for everyone's sake that TSA is NOT controlling anything let alone a task force! don't see how they could anyway as they have no law enforcement authority.

Keep the scanner in search mode for the fed band and you will sometimes be surprised what you find. I have found several new freqs in the last year doing this in my home area in NJ. Especially after Hurricane Sandy visited us.

Brian

Just to clarify TSA OLE which includes the 1811 series agents and FAMS have law enforcement authority.
TSA airport security screeners are more of a regulatory compliance function with no law enforcement authority.