Sticky Thread for MilAir III

[TinEar]

Ron, I don't know if you've run across the encrypted comms from the Martin State ground net running on the usual freqs this morning -- 148.925 and 385.9. Perhaps encryption isn't new for them but it's the first time I recall hearing it. By the way, even though CRAB Ops moved from 385.9 to 384.1, they've retained the old freq for this net. I usually hear them talking about the various C-130s, where they're parked, what they're doing, etc. It has run non-stop since 1100 and is continuing (1140).
When I hear two ground stations communicating on the net, I'm not sure who is talking and what their various functions are. One is CRAB Ops but I don't know the functions of the others, where they are or why they need to communicate by radio. I've thought perhaps they're coordinating with RAVEN Ops but have no idea if that is correct. If they stay encrypted, I guess it's a moot point. I can just stop listening.

 

[mdmonitor]

Ron, I don't know if you've run across the encrypted comms from the Martin State ground net running on the usual freqs this morning -- 148.925 and 385.9. Perhaps encryption isn't new for them but it's the first time I recall hearing it. By the way, even though CRAB Ops moved from 385.9 to 384.1, they've retained the old freq for this net. I usually hear them talking about the various C-130s, where they're parked, what they're doing, etc. It has run non-stop since 1100 and is continuing (1140).
When I hear two ground stations communicating on the net, I'm not sure who is talking and what their various functions are. One is CRAB Ops but I don't know the functions of the others, where they are or why they need to communicate by radio. I've thought perhaps they're coordinating with RAVEN Ops but have no idea if that is correct. If they stay encrypted, I guess it's a moot point. I can just stop listening.

Tin,

Just now (1205) saw your post. I hear nothing on 385.9 far. That freq is supposed to be used now for the new military low-power trunk systems---so maybe they are trying to put one in at Martin State. Will keep checking it though.

 

[TinEar]

Tin,

Just now (1205) saw your post. I hear nothing on 385.9 far. That freq is supposed to be used now for the new military low-power trunk systems---so maybe they are trying to put one in at Martin State. Will keep checking it though.

Looks like they've switched all the comms to only the 148.925 freq now. Still going strong there at 1211.

 

[hfradiopro]

That RS VHF-Hi/UHF antenna is one I've used several times in the past. It isn't particularly rugged, and although its construction is ok for outdoors, it is best when installed in the attic. The performance on the mil-air band is outstanding, out-performing other antennas by a noticeable margin. As I recall, there are also some websites out there that give measurements to "mod" the antenna to a 225-400MHz peak performance.

I'd recommend this antenna, but not necessarily for outdoors installations; at least not here where you can get that wonderful ice and wind combination. But, then again, for the price, you could buy two or three and have spares on hand in case one comes down.

BTW, the name is Dave and I've been lurking here for the past few days since Alan and Ron invited me over. Looks like a good group and I hope to participate more throughout the new year.


Dave

 

[ka3jjz]

Tin when did this move of Crab ops off of 385.9 occur? This is the sort of stuff that should go to the database.

73 Mike

[edit] Check that - the 384.1 frequency is in the database, but not this 'ground net'

 

[mdmonitor]

Looks like they've switched all the comms to only the 148.925 freq now. Still going strong there at 1211.

Tin

Yep- hear 148.925 w/encryption (1230 EST).

 

[TinEar]

Tin when did this move of Crab ops off of 385.9 occur? This is the sort of stuff that should go to the database.

73 Mike

[edit] Check that - the 384.1 frequency is in the database, but not this 'ground net'

Mike, I'm not sure when the move was done to the 384.1 freq. I recall finding it published by the FAA in a NOTAM some time ago and posted it here. According to your [edit], it seems you've got it in the database though.

The thing I'm calling a "net" is perhaps overstating it a bit. It's simply ground stations at Martin State talking to each other - perhaps nothing but the RAVEN/CRAB Ops and perhaps maintenance groups. That would be fairly common for bases that aren't large enough to have a 380 LMR or 400 mHz trunked system installed. When in the clear, it's usually confined to fairly normal happenings concerning the aircraft or visiting aircraft and even chat when there's a flyby of the Baltimore stadiums for sporting events involving the MTN aircraft. I don't think it deserves special attention in the database as long as the 148.925/384.1 freqs are there and perhaps a note adding the 385.9 as strictly ground station usage.
One point I haven't mentioned is that this ground "net" is a P25 system.
(385.9 active again at 1256-58) They sound like they are using a low power repeater on these freqs when transmitting, being relayed from some other freq.
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That RS VHF-Hi/UHF antenna is one I've used several times in the past. It isn't particularly rugged, and although its construction is ok for outdoors, it is best when installed in the attic. The performance on the mil-air band is outstanding, out-performing other antennas by a noticeable margin. As I recall, there are also some websites out there that give measurements to "mod" the antenna to a 225-400MHz peak performance.

I'd recommend this antenna, but not necessarily for outdoors installations; at least not here where you can get that wonderful ice and wind combination. But, then again, for the price, you could buy two or three and have spares on hand in case one comes down.

BTW, the name is Dave and I've been lurking here for the past few days since Alan and Ron invited me over. Looks like a good group and I hope to participate more throughout the new year.

Dave, great to see you jump onto the thread. I'll look forward to reading your comments.
****************************************

1237: REACH 547T to Dover Metro asking weather for KBGR (Bangor). No ID on the aircraft - it was just too far away for Mode-S reception so far. No one else seems to have logged him either. He was having trouble hearing Dover's replies which tends to confirm the distance excuse....342.0

At BWI, winds are sustained 32 mph with gusts to 51 mph at 1257. Didn't expect much military flying today anyway but this tends to ice it for this area.

 

[ka3jjz]

OK fine. But these Crab 'ground ops' freqs (and yes, I know that's a best guess...) aren't in the database; I'll submit them as such later, with the proviso that they have been heard with encryption. Thanx

73 Mike

 

[Mark]

0950 Had a S-92A Sikorsky thru the area at 2900 feet N2578T (A27501)
Nice size new chopper built 2008.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-92
1035 'November 2578 Tango" landing KILG so crewman can jump out and open some equipment 126.000 tower.

Mark

Another new Sikorsky S-92A at KILG as well today.Must be Sikorsky S92 windy test day!
N2577Y = (A27E43). This one has a 6 month old photo.
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Sikorsky-S-92A-Helibus/1400722/M/

http://www.keystonehelicopter.com/

Mark

 

[mdmonitor]

At BWI, winds are sustained 32 mph with gusts to 51 mph at 1257. Didn't expect much military flying today anyway but this tends to ice it for this area.

Tin,

Not hearing anything military and very little civilian stuff as well. Did hear some civies reporting to ZDC PAX (133.9) earlier today on some what they called severe wind shears up around FL120. And the wind has really picked up since then.

Not even anything from the Coasties---if they are out there today they must really be bouncing around. Makes me sea-sick just to think about it

Have been hearing quite a bit of encrypted stuff on the Customs freq 165.2375

 

[Mark]

1237: REACH 547T to Dover Metro asking weather for KBGR (Bangor). No ID on the aircraft - it was just too far away for Mode-S reception so far. No one else seems to have logged him either. He was having trouble hearing Dover's replies which tends to confirm the distance excuse....342.0

My power is out here but backup Gen working fine.Lots of scattered outages
in this area.Nasty wind gusts here!
http://www.delmarva.com/home/emergency/maps/outage/

REACH 547T is C-5A #69-0008 out of Stewart.He diverted to McGuire last I heard.
Said he was on a "SAM mission"


Hearing Air Traffic on ZDC Sea Isle 133.125 talking delays and diverts at Kennedy etc and holding patterns.
http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/flyfaaindex.jsp?p=0&ARPT=JFK

1450 CG 6598 with Dover tower 126.350 now flying VFR.

Mark

 

[TinEar]

REACH 547T is C-5A #69-0008 out of Stewart.He diverted to McGuire last I heard.
Said he was on a "SAM mission"

Mark

Thanks for the ID Mark. I had that one logged at 1210 but he wasn't displaying a callsign and I wasn't listening to the CP or ARTCC freqs at that time. "SAM" mission indeed - as will many others as they transfer eight years of White House generated material to Texas for the eventual "43" Presidential Library. They'll need two or three transports just for the email tapes, let alone all the other "stuff."

 

[Mark]

Yes that REACH 547T is one of very few Milairs today.
Like I posted on other board the 119thFS Atlantic City guys went out this am for drills
offshore only because I think they are the Alert Squadron for New York New Years festivities.
Hopefully they won't have to scramble tonight.

I can't see any fireworks displays going off tonite in this wind.. Got to be way out of limits.
A big shell in this wind would go 100 feet up and 500 feet sideways.

Interesting way to start a B-52..
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123129902

Mark

 

[freqhopping]

What type of modulation and encryption is used on 385.9 ?

 

[TinEar]

What type of modulation and encryption is used on 385.9 ?

It's a P25 system with a type encryption that you can understand someone is talking - not the white noise type. (On both 148.925 and 385.9)

Have had a couple of those huge AN-124s overhead today if nothing else.
Flight VDA 4565 (Волга-Днеп&#1088, RA-82047 from Heydar Aliyev to Charleston
Flight POT2325 (Поле&#1090, RA-82077 from Frankfurt Hahn to Charleston

 

[freqhopping]

It's a P25 system with a type encryption that you can understand someone is talking - not the white noise type. (On both 148.925 and 385.9)

OK because 385.9 is one of the Andrews AFB TRS freqs which is of course P25 and encryption is pretty common.

Use that Pro-197 to get a NAC for it.

 

[TinEar]

OK because 385.9 is one of the Andrews AFB TRS freqs which is of course P25 and encryption is pretty common.

Use that Pro-197 to get a NAC for it.

I would seriously doubt the 197 is capable of hearing the system Travis. It's uniquely unable to hear more than 10-15 miles and MTN is all of about 20 miles from me. That's well beyond its range. :lol:
I'm going to program the Ft. Meade system in the 197 and, hopefully, will be able to receive it (8 miles away) although I expect a lot of encryption..

I didn't realize the 385.9 freq was part of the Andrews system too. The MTN guys are obviously very low power and, hopefully, don't interfere with ADW.
By the way, it's almost 1700 and the chat continues on 148.925. Perhaps they're just setting up the encryption system under orders to have it ready for the new year. Wait till the last day of the year to do it, of course.
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Baltimore fireworks display rescheduled for tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
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Just went to the Volga-Dnepr webpages (in Russian) to see how much of the language I could still read after studying it many years ago. Other than learning I've lost a lot of it, I did learn a couple of things about the AN-124. Numbers in service are:
Volga-Dnepr (Russia) 10
Polet (Russia) 7
Antonov (Ukraine) 7
Libya 2
UAE 1
There have been 56 built so far - which I guess means the rest of them belong to the Russian military (or have crashed as Russian built things are wont to do). I think all of them have been seen in Charleston - except perhaps the Libyan/UAE owned ones.

 

[freqhopping]

Decided to see what was registered in my county. There are some govt planes registered to a Mt. Weather address.

N176RA Dehavilland DHC-7-102 US Army RC-7B
N34HG Dehavilland DHC-7-102 US Army RC-7B
N566CC Dehavilland DHC-7-102 US Army RC-7B
N66000 Beech A200 US Army Communications Electronics Command http://www.spyflight.co.uk/200.htm

N85516 Beech 1900D US Dept of State, a Dulles, VA address which only ties up with a domain registration for yelina.com, which is currently a modeling website.



A few minutes ago United-970 said he prefers to take 1R rather than 30 left most have been doing. Gusts are up to 42kts. He said he's good up to 40.

 

[CitationJet]

Re: N85516

Travis,

If you look at the "street name" for the registered owner of N85516 it will give you a clue as to where the machine is based in service for the DOS...within zip 20189, there's a "street name" and "number" for every city in the world in which we have an embassy or consulate...)

Tony

N85516 Beech 1900D US Dept of State, a Dulles, VA address which only ties up with a domain registration for yelina.com, which is currently a modeling website. :confused.

 

[freqhopping]

Travis,

If you look at the "street name" for the registered owner of N85516 it will give you a clue as to where the machine is based in service for the DOS...within zip 20189, there's a "street name" and "number" for every city in the world in which we have an embassy or consulate...)

Tony

OK, that makes sense. Thanks.
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5733896&nseq=5