[Scan-DC] UTAC43

[Alan Henney]

This past week I noticed a constant keyed transmitter on 453.8625, the
UTAC43 interoperability channel.  CTCSS is the common 156.7.  But so far,
no voice.  It is strong in Takoma Park.

Checking the FCC database, I find that the state police radio shop has
licensed it at each MSP barracks along with several other VHF/UHF IO
channels.  Also, DNR and MEMA have licensed this same set of IO channels:

151.1375 VTAC11/36
154.4525 VTAC12/37
155.7525 VCALL10
158.7375 VTAC13/34/38
159.4725 VTAC14/33/35
453.2125 UCALL40
453.4625 UTAC41
453.7125 UTAC42
453.8625 UTAC43

I suspect the keyed transmitter I am receiving is nearby, maybe MSP College
Park or perhaps a closer tower.  Anybody else hear this?

I assume these channels are intended to interface with FiRST.  But what
agency still uses UHF here?  Maybe federal or military?  And why is this
already operational if FiRST is not here yet?  I think FiRST was going to
use VHF patch with VSP STARS elsewhere in the state.  Has anybody heard
that yet?

Any thoughts?