[MilCom] Re: [FedCom] 173 Mhz - Boston MA area

[Ken]

Thanks again for your reporting input Peter, see comments below:

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "hithel" <hithel at yahoo.com>
To: <fedcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2006 10:00 AM
Subject: [FedCom] 173 Mhz - Boston MA area


> Recently heard in the Boston MA area -
>
> 173.4125 - digital (P25) radio traffic - loud -
> probably from Hanscom AFB in Bedford MA which is
> approx 10 miles from me - probably a repeater - I was
> told that the traffic concerned a bus (or van) making
> pickups at various locations - I am not sure if this
> freq is used continuously, or just on special
> occasions
COMMENT:  Neither Ref#A or Ref #B below has this frequency
being used at Hanscom.  Ref#A has 165.1625 as the base transportation
net, so you might want to plug this into your radio & monitor for activity

>
> 173.5125 - this morning, there was some weak digital
> (?P25?) radio traffic on 173.5125 - this was formerly
> the ambulance frequency at Hanscom AFB - Hanscom
> discontinued their base ambulance around 2003 - they
> contracted for coverage from the local Armstrong
> Ambulance Service
COMMENT:  Correct on assignment as noted in both Grove's
"Military Frequency Directory" 2nd edition (ref#A), & Scannermaster Corp's
"Southern New England Communications Guide", 10th edition (ref #B).
Difficult to believe that the military didn't keep any Emergency Medical 
Response
capability at the base.  My understanding is now first responders/EMT's are 
the
base fire department's "Rescue" truck.
>
> 173.5875 - every morning there are trains of DTMF
> signals on this freq at 8AM - approximately 5 sets - I
> think it is Hanscom AFB Fire Dept testing the 'Knox
> boxes' in their vehicles - 'Knox boxes' are small
> safes that contain keys - the boxes are opened by
> radio signals - I think that Hanscom AFB also uses
> 173.5875 in repeater mode as their "Tac" channel -
> "Chief 1" was once heard on 173.5875R in analog mode
> referencing the channel as "Tac" - anybody know the
> input freq?
COMMENT:  I remember reading in the "Hansconian" (base newspaper)
that most (all?) of the facilities now are keyless entry with a ID/smart 
card being
used so I'm not sure if key's are necessary.  Reference #B above shows
this as the tactical repeater input.  As far as output you'll have to hunt 
around
or buy the guide!

>
> 166.225R - reportedly is Hanscom FD primary channel -
> anyone know the input freq? - maybe 163.5375 (the
> previous FD freq) - nowadays, 166.225R is always
> digital
COMMENT:  Both References #A & #B confirms output.  Reference #B
confirms the input.  Yes it is Digital P25.
>
> 173.5625R - reportedly is Hanscom AFB security -
> anyone know the input freq?
COMMENT:  Doubtful this is the output, no confirmation by either
Reference #A or #B.
>
> Anyone know any other freqs for Hanscom AFB? DPW used
> to be at 148 Mhz I think.
COMMENT:  Not very much on any lists about frequencies in use.
Since Hanscom has no aircraft assigned there's going to be limited
base support nets.  So typically it would be the following nets:
Commander's (might actually use just digital cellphone now), Security
(already ID'd), Medical (already ID'd), Transportation/Logistics 
(tentatively
ID'd refer #A), Fire Department (already ID'd), Disaster 
Preparedness/Emergency Management
(not ID'd), Civil Engineering (Facilities/Ground Support).   Don't believe 
that Hanscom AFB
is responsible for primarily flight line fire/crash responses anymore, that 
is handled by Massport.  Also in the past Hanscom administrative activities 
had used some low powered part 15 devices, so it's possible that both FRS & 
Intersquad Radios (380 mhz) are also being used, but would not be able to be 
monitored external to the base.
>
> Hanscom AFB does not have any military aircraft
> assigned. The base primarily coordinates electronic
> research. MIT Lincoln Labs is located at the SW corner
> of the base. I think their security is at 148.225R
> (last logged in 1997)
COMMENT:  Reference #A still shows this as potential security.  MIT is 
licensed
in that area for 464.50, 469.50, 469.55.  Also they have a lot of low power 
portables licensed
in the 461, 464 mhz area.  According to Mr Google the 148.225 still remains 
as a base support frequency after rebanding takes place.
>
> 169.0125R might be a Hanscom AFB freq.
Reference #B above confirms that this is a base frequency P25 digital.

So overall a bit more searching might find some additional base support 
frequencies in use.
Again though, if your scanning equipment is limited (no P25 digital and/or 
CTCSS/DCS decode) it will be very difficult to verify actually usage. 
Perhaps others in your area will be able to add to the discussion.  Thanks 
again!!!

Ken