Identifying frequencies and modes

[ka3jjz]

In the SWBC world, we have schedules and lists that help identify a station and where it's coming from. In the utility world, it's a little bit different - not everything is on a schedule, and some transmissions come and go.

So it's nice to have a list of frequencies (and modes) that allow you to make an educated guess as to what you are hearing (or sometimes seeing). Remember, it's what you HEAR that allows you to identify something - not making guesses.

Global Frequency Database

Shortwavemonitor

Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) - International monitoring

Digital Modes

HF Digital Decoding - The RadioReference Wiki

Some of these links come from the UDXF.

Best Regards...Mike

 

[RedsunsDriver]

So quick question regarding frequencies.
Say I want to monitor the NAT New York frequencies.
How do I know which 7 or so to choose? I know I should stay at the low end"mhz" at night etc...
But which one will it transmit on? or are all the frequencies the same like a repeater?

 

[ka3jjz]

You're going to need to check them all - you won't be able to tell which freqs are active unless you do. There's no plan - a public one, anyway - that I know of to be able to discern which freqs will be used in a given day.

In other words, if you're listening at night, start with the 8 mhz freqs and work your way down.

best regards..Mike

 

[majoco]

Just listen on each frequency for a while - say 5minutes or until some NY operator speaks. They are likely to say "Primary this frequency, secondary 5643" or something like that. The frequencies in use are likely to be the best for coverage of their area at a particular time of day, so there's no need to go listening on 13Mhz frequencies in the evening!

Cheers - Martin ZL2MC

 

[brandon]

5598 and 6628 are extremely busy w/ New York during the night.
You should hear something within a few mins of listening.

The comms are simplex. You should be able to hear both sides if you have a decent antenna and located near the east coast.