TSA

[werinshades]

I'm by Midway Airport in Chicago and noticed they've gone silent on their 172.150/172.900 frequencies. I just returned from a trip and saw many TSA agents and heard alot of radio traffic on their portables. I know they contact the TSOC at O'Hare for "incidents" which is forwarded to the Midway Communications Center.

I've searched the 163-173/406-420 Mhz area without any luck. Does anyone have any information or can direct me to another area to search for active TSA frequencies, or are they now using the Smart Net LTE system? I didn't think it would be a good idea to ask to see one of their radios, so reaching out here for someone with knowledge hopefully.

 

[MtnBiker2005]

Check the TSA list of frequencies:

TSA Frequencies

TSA Nationwide Frequency Updates NOTE: The TSA is planning on moving their radio communication systems from VHF to UHF federal frequ...

mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com

 

[werinshades]

Check the TSA list of frequencies:

TSA Frequencies

TSA Nationwide Frequency Updates NOTE: The TSA is planning on moving their radio communication systems from VHF to UHF federal frequ...

mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com

Yes I'm aware of those but they appear to be no longer in use. Not seeing any encryption on them either. Something new being used nationwide or locally in other areas?

 

[ecps92]

There was talk about a move to UHF at one time
IT could also be they went simplex for awhile [repeater failure?] , my Local [BOS] is still VHF on 172.9000 $040

Yes I'm aware of those but they appear to be no longer in use. Not seeing any encryption on them either. Something new being used nationwide or locally in other areas?

 

[werinshades]

There was talk about a move to UHF at one time
IT could also be they went simplex for awhile [repeater failure?] , my Local [BOS] is still VHF on 172.9000 $040

I was able to listen long enough to determine it was a repeater. I have been searching 406-420 and while I do have local activity (both P25 and DMR), so far nothing that is TSA related. I'm wondering if First Net is in use here or another federal band that I haven't searched yet?

 

[ChrisP]

The word still is that TSA will be deploying new UHF radio systems at their US airport locations this year. No idea on a time-table, but I was told they had done a test on UHF at Denver International (DEN) and plans are moving forward. No idea if they will be P25, DMR or what, or which manufacturer won the bid on this contract.

- Chris

 

[RaleighGuy]

I was able to listen long enough to determine it was a repeater. I have been searching 406-420 and while I do have local activity (both P25 and DMR), so far nothing that is TSA related. I'm wondering if First Net is in use here or another federal band that I haven't searched yet?

Just for the fun of it try the 380-390 band.

 

[werinshades]

Just for the fun of it try the 380-390 band.

I'll give that a try. MilAir band ?

 

[werinshades]

The word still is that TSA will be deploying new UHF radio systems at their US airport locations this year. No idea on a time-table, but I was told they had done a test on UHF at Denver International (DEN) and plans are moving forward. No idea if they will be P25, DMR or what, or which manufacturer won the bid on this contract.

- Chris

I'll focus on UHF..thanks.

 

[RaleighGuy]

I'll give that a try. MilAir band ?

380-390 MHz is just above MilAir and a number of gov't. especially military bases, are using it for NFM P25 trunked systems (some nationwide)

 

[werinshades]

380-390 MHz is just above MilAir and a number of gov't. especially military bases, are using it for NFM P25 trunked systems (some nationwide)

Thanks for the info, I'll check into it.

 

[ecps92]

Generally this is MIL, but worth the check.

Maybe others in/around Chicago can chime in, could just be the OP's configuration too

Just for the fun of it try the 380-390 band.

 

[werinshades]

Generally this is MIL, but worth the check.

Maybe others in/around Chicago can chime in, could just be the OP's configuration too

I'm very close to the airport, so range has never been an issue. They used 172.900 before I found them on 172.150. We've had a couple incidents I heard on the Midway Communications Trunking system that involved TSA, and didn't hear anything. Checked different NAC codes and searched them without any luck. Thought might have better luck asking here and a searching I will go.

 

[ecps92]

In multiple travels thru Chicago, I've not heard 172.9000 since around 2013 when they moved from the common $001 NAC to each airport having it's own unique NAC

Midway began using 172.1500 $1A2 and O'Hare using $03D and $03E [Yes, some Airports are large enough for two, even three NAC assignments] and they both used 169.1625

When did you last hear them on 172.9000 ?

I'm very close to the airport, so range has never been an issue. They used 172.900 before I found them on 172.150. We've had a couple incidents I heard on the Midway Communications Trunking system that involved TSA, and didn't hear anything. Checked different NAC codes and searched them without any luck. Thought might have better luck asking here and a searching I will go.

 

[dlwtrunked]

Thanks for the info, I'll check into it.

380 MHz is military only except when a talkgroup re-transmits local non-government agencies for joint efforts.

 

[danesgs]

This is from Chris Parrish's Fed Files blog

Chicago, IL Midway (MDW)
172.1500, N001
172.1500, N1A2

Chicao, IL O’Hare (ORD)
165.0750, 123.0 PL
165.0750, 131.8 PL
166.4625, 103.5 PL
166.2875, N004
168.9625, N001
169.1625, 123.0 PL
169.1625, N001
169.3000, 136.5 PL
172.1500, 103.5 PL
172.1500, 123.0 PL
172.1500, 136.5 PL
172.9000, 136.5 PL

 

[RaleighGuy]

This is from Chris Parrish's Fed Files blog

Already mentioned in post #2 and #3, and not working.

 

[ChrisABQ]

I'm sure they are P25 encrypted

 

[werinshades]

In multiple travels thru Chicago, I've not heard 172.9000 since around 2013 when they moved from the common $001 NAC to each airport having it's own unique NAC

Midway began using 172.1500 $1A2 and O'Hare using $03D and $03E [Yes, some Airports are large enough for two, even three NAC assignments] and they both used 169.1625

When did you last hear them on 172.9000 ?

2013..

 

[werinshades]

I'm sure they are P25 encrypted

I haven't heard much encryption on the federal channels other than what's been previously identified by other users.