Marine Maritime HF frequencies for the Florida area?

[tampatracker]

I am usually an aero listener being a commercial pilot but now I am wondering what I may be missing on maritime HF around Florida. I have looked at the frequency lists for the various bandwidths but I don't hear anything. Occasionally I will hear the CG on 5696. Does anyone have any suggestions for ACTIVE HF freqs in this area?

 

[ka3jjz]

As for HF voice comms, I haven't seen much in the way of maritime voice from anywhere on the UDXF reflector in years. I know the international allocations are still there, but I very much doubt they're used anymore. Illegal fishing boats and the like don't follow norms and can literally (and often do) pop up anywhere. Satellites and cell have pretty much taken this market. As I understand it, even the CG doesn't use it very much anymore.

Now digital - you've got a wealth of possibilities here. From GMDSS/DSC, NAVTEX, FAX weather charts - all possible with the right software. Take a look here - and, of course, join the Utility DXers Forum (UDXF) on the groups.io server...

Testing Your New Setup - The RadioReference Wiki

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Mike

 

[tampatracker]

Thanks Mike much appreciated!

 

[Capella]

I am usually an aero listener being a commercial pilot but now I am wondering what I may be missing on maritime HF around Florida. I have looked at the frequency lists for the various bandwidths but I don't hear anything. Occasionally I will hear the CG on 5696. Does anyone have any suggestions for ACTIVE HF freqs in this area?

I suspect HF is a backup to satellite phones these days but I do see 364 "active" FCC licenses for HF in Florida. Many are marinas, sailing clubs, maritime towing companies, etc. For what it's worth I've attached a Google Earth .kmz file of all "active" HF transmitter licenses in the US as well as a spreadsheet with the 364 FCC licenses in Florida. With hurricane season beginning you might see some additional voice and data comms taking place.

 

[ka3jjz]

If you live in Florida or the Carolinas and have HF capability, now is the time to get NAVTEX / SITOR-B and FAX capabilities. There are a number of packages - and none all that expensive - that can do these modes. There are even apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod and even Java...and you can find them all linked here...

HF Software Decoders - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

These modes don't require an expensive radio - a portable like the Tecsun PL-660 will do just fine. We have an article that talks about connection issues to your PC here...

Connecting Radios to Soundcards - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

These are all part of our HF Digital Decoding FAQ.

Mike