[Icom] icom freq expansion

[Mike Olbrisch]

   >>>Much deleted.....<<<


Well, at first I wasn't going to reply to this, but it isn't too far off
topic, since most of us use our ICOM radios to listen to other interesting
stuff too.  I most definitely do !!!!!

Try looking at this.

http://www.milaircomms.com/iraq_maps.html

Look in the top blue banner for freq info.  You could find this with a
simple search, as I did, so I am not giving up anything classified and
putting soldiers (like my son) in jeopardy.

> We have been watching the war from beginning to end and I am
> fascinated with all the comms.

Me too.  Echos of 1991.  I pinched a hole in the couch with my butt watching
Col Dave Perkins and the 3rd cruising through Baghdad with the TV crew
fighting the track.  I really wanted to be there, and then again not.

> *  Where does your son use his phone card?

Well, just about anyplace he can find a SAFE phone.  Kuwait is good.  Secure
areas of IRAQ if he can find a working phone.  Sometimes he can sneak a few
seconds on a mil-sat link.

> *  What type of frequencies (HF/VHF/UHF) do the fighting vehicles use
>    between themselves on the battlefield?

They are mostly VHF, but all are possible.  You can understand why I will
not be more direct than that.

> *  Do they use military satellites to communicate from the
> frontline to the commanders?
> *  Do they scramble the voice channels on HF/VHF/UHF?

I Don't feel comfortable answering this on the internet.  The information is
probably available somewhere.

> *  Do the troops use FRS on their personal intercom systems? ;-)

Not likely, since it is neither authorized or practical for such use.
Actually, you would be amazed at what the average trooper has at his
disposal today.

> *  Don't the planes have a secure channel to speak with the
> troops on the ground during air support?  I am thinking about friendly
> fire problems.

In a round-about sort of way, yes.  The comm system is a guy called a
forward air controller.  It usually isn't popular duty among AF types,
living like the army in the forward areas.  They prefer living near big
targets, like runways.

> Your reply will be interesting.

I hope it was, to all.  I understand the 11 mhz freqs have been heard active
in the USA.  Especially "SKY-KING".

Mike.  KD9KC
El Paso, TX.