[CTSARA] Frequencies

[Jon Perelstein]

In response to John and Jon's emails

There is a comm frequency plan for Region 1 as provided to Frank and me by the 
Region 1 ARES "leadership".  Nothing very startling -- Stamford would use the 
Stamford repeaters, Norwalk would use the Norwalk repeaters, etc.  Since mailman 
doesn't allow the use of attachments, I'll post it in the Forum and also ask 
John (GRB) to post it prominently on our web site.

One thing to watch out for -- they have the simplex frequency listed as 
146.540.  That's actually between two "channels" according to the 2 meter 
bandplan for the Northeast.  That means that if you operate on 146.540, you'll 
be interfering with people on the 146.535 channel AND people operating on the 
146.550 channel (just think, you get to interfere with two conversations at the 
same time!!!).  Minimize any operations on 146.540 and then get yourself to an 
established channel.  The channels are based on the simplex calling frequency of 
146.520 and go up by 15MHz (146.535, 146.550, etc.).   Some of you may find that 
your radios won't tune to 146.540 unless you fiddle with the synthesizer step 
setting, so keep your operating manuals handy.

Those of you who participated in the SET two years ago may remember that we 
tried using 146.540 and wound up causing problems for us, for ARES in the Bronx, 
and for ARES on Long Island (might have been a New Jersey ARES in there too).  


Also, please note that the chart shows a PL Tone on the simplex operation.  If 
you don't have TONE turned on (and turned to the right PL) but others do, they 
will be impacted by your carrier, but won't be able to actually hear anything 
you're saying.  Very frustrating if you're trying to get an emergency message 
through. 


Jon
KB1QBZ