After uninstalling MARS-ALE and removing various droppings still found throughout my computer, I bravely set out to see what PC-ALE would do in a home directory outside the Program Files (x86) or the virtual machine ("XP Mode"). Others had reported success when installed in this manner.
The version I'd been using is in the 1.07x cycle. I had the installers on backups. The files are not on HFLINK, but can be found elsewhere. You install the FI version, then drop the unzipped UD .exe file over the original .exe in your installation. Then you copy in your .qrg files. You DID back up your .qrg, right?
Scanning will have to wait until a compatible USB-serial adapter is obtained. Right now I'm only parking on frequencies.
Here are some issues:
#1: Do not check the "Create Desktop Icon" box in the installer. This creates an incorrect path, which causes PC-ALE to write the files it needs for proper operation to the desktop instead of its home folder. It is then unable to find them there.
Instead, go to the home directory and right-click ALE.exe. Drop down and hit "Create Shortcut," then move the resulting new shortcut icon to the desktop. This solves the problem. The files are created in the right place.
#2. The problem encountered with the input being pure noise seems to have fixed itself with the install to my custom directory. PC-ALE is finding the right input now. "First light" here was J14, 003, and D08 sounding on 15867. BER and S/N were well above minimums for high confidence decode.
#3: For some inexplicable reason, PC-ALE likes to set the gain of Line In to zero at startup and shutdown. This causes the bars/sync to vanish altogether, because there's no signal. Do W7's silly sound driver and turn it back up. The bars/sync should appear, and you should be decoding ALE. This issue fixes itself after running the program a couple of times. Presumably, the default level finally gets set to the figure in your 141A config screen.
#4: It is said that MARS-ALE is actually better for receive-only than PC-ALE. This could be the case. MultiPSK, however, is better than both of them for receive, though equally user-inscrutable. It will scan after you do the developer's weird payment procedure and get a license.
#5: ALL MILEAGE WILL VARY!!!!! We are dealing with computers, after all. If you get a total bomb job, try asking the experts on the HFLINK group at Yahoo.
Showing posts with label ale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ale. Show all posts
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, August 26, 2011
COTHEN and FEMA ALE 8/26-27 (UTC)
8/26-27:
COTHEN:
006, 07Z, 702, 708, 720, ABQPRI, D07, D23, D47, F04, I86, I96, J01, J21, J24, LNT, N07, N08, N09, PAC, ROS, SLKNY, VAI, Z35
4522.0, 5732.0, 7527.0, 8912.0, 10242.0, 11494.0, 12222.0, 13312.0, 13907.0, 14582.0, 15867.0, 18594.0, 20890.0, 23214.0, 25350.0
FEMA:
FC0FEM, FC1FEM, FR1FEM, FR3FEM, FC4FEM, FC4FEM004, FR4FEM, FR5FEM, FC6FEM, FC8FEM, FC8FEM002, FC8FEM006, FM8FEM, FR9FEM, FCXBCU1 (10493)
4603.0, 4780.0, 7348.0, 9462.0, 10194.0, 10493.0 (FCXBCU1), 10588.0, 12216.0, 13446.0, 14776.0, 14885.0, 15708.0, 16201.0, 16353.0, 19969.0, 21866.0, 24526.0
COTHEN:
006, 07Z, 702, 708, 720, ABQPRI, D07, D23, D47, F04, I86, I96, J01, J21, J24, LNT, N07, N08, N09, PAC, ROS, SLKNY, VAI, Z35
4522.0, 5732.0, 7527.0, 8912.0, 10242.0, 11494.0, 12222.0, 13312.0, 13907.0, 14582.0, 15867.0, 18594.0, 20890.0, 23214.0, 25350.0
FEMA:
FC0FEM, FC1FEM, FR1FEM, FR3FEM, FC4FEM, FC4FEM004, FR4FEM, FR5FEM, FC6FEM, FC8FEM, FC8FEM002, FC8FEM006, FM8FEM, FR9FEM, FCXBCU1 (10493)
4603.0, 4780.0, 7348.0, 9462.0, 10194.0, 10493.0 (FCXBCU1), 10588.0, 12216.0, 13446.0, 14776.0, 14885.0, 15708.0, 16201.0, 16353.0, 19969.0, 21866.0, 24526.0
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Recent FEMA ALE Hits, by Frequency
4780.0 -- FC8FEM002
5402.0 -- FR7FEM
7348.0 -- FC8, FM8FEM
8050.0 -- FC8
9462.0 -- FC0FEM, FC0FEM008, FC8, FC8FEM, FC8FEM004, FR3FEM, FR5FEM
10194.0 -- FC0FEM, FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FC8, FC8FEM, FC8FEM004, FM8FEM, FR7FEM
10493.0 -- FC8
10588.0 -- FC0FEM, FC6FEM001, FC8, FM8FEM, FR1FEM, FR7FEM
11108.0 -- FC0FEM008
12216.0 -- FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FC8FEM004
13446.0 -- FC0FEM, FC8, FC8FEM, FM8FEM, FR5FEM
13894.0 -- FC0FEM002
14776.0 -- FC0FEM, FC1FEM, FC4FEM, FC6FEM001, FC8, FC8FEM, FM8FEM, FR4FEM
15708.0 -- FC0FEM, FC8, FC8FEM004, FR1FEM, FR5FEM
16201.0 -- FC0, FC0FEM, FC0FEM008
19969.0 -- FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FR4FEM, FR5FEM, FR7FEM
21866.0 -- FC4FEM, FR1FEM, FR5FEM
5402.0 -- FR7FEM
7348.0 -- FC8, FM8FEM
8050.0 -- FC8
9462.0 -- FC0FEM, FC0FEM008, FC8, FC8FEM, FC8FEM004, FR3FEM, FR5FEM
10194.0 -- FC0FEM, FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FC8, FC8FEM, FC8FEM004, FM8FEM, FR7FEM
10493.0 -- FC8
10588.0 -- FC0FEM, FC6FEM001, FC8, FM8FEM, FR1FEM, FR7FEM
11108.0 -- FC0FEM008
12216.0 -- FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FC8FEM004
13446.0 -- FC0FEM, FC8, FC8FEM, FM8FEM, FR5FEM
13894.0 -- FC0FEM002
14776.0 -- FC0FEM, FC1FEM, FC4FEM, FC6FEM001, FC8, FC8FEM, FM8FEM, FR4FEM
15708.0 -- FC0FEM, FC8, FC8FEM004, FR1FEM, FR5FEM
16201.0 -- FC0, FC0FEM, FC0FEM008
19969.0 -- FC0FEM008, FC6FEM001, FR4FEM, FR5FEM, FR7FEM
21866.0 -- FC4FEM, FR1FEM, FR5FEM
Friday, August 13, 2010
Digital Mode Programs That Work #4: PC-ALE
It's not hyperbole to say that PC-ALE was the one program that totally revolutionized utility radio listening. It feels like forever since Charles Brain, G4GUO, suddenly appeared on the scene with a very functional Windows program for receiving AND transmitting in what was then the fairly new radio mode of Automatic Link Establishment.
A full description of PC-ALE would require a book. It's a big program, though it doesn't look it. It has a lot of parameters, and no one has ever fully explained some of them. There's no PC-ALE For Dummies. This makes it one of the more intimidating programs available to hobbyists free of charge.
Fortunately, the hams have taken it up in a big way, and they're driving most of the program's evolution. A few years back, it bifurcated into two major variants. These are a continuing refinement of PC-ALE, and a split-off called MARS-ALE.
As the names would suggest, this was due to the different needs of worldwide use in amateur bands (HFLINK) vs the more structured nature of the Military Auxiliary Radio System. Both of these programs are being actively supported by N2CKH.
Both of these have dedicated Yahoo groups. N2CKH maintains that MARS-ALE is actually the best of the two for receiving. I've experimented with it, and also with the newer PC-ALE versions, but the one I like best for completely personal reasons is still PC-ALE 1.071 Alpha.
MARS-ALE comes with transmitting blocked unless you have DoD authorization. Don't even try transmitting with PC-ALE until you've joined the HFLINK group, gone to its site, and read up on how to do this without destroying amateur-grade equipment.
PC-ALE comes fairly well configured for receiving right out of the box. I tweak a few things having to do with radio control, but these are different for every installation out there. Mostly, you want to make sure you've enabled the logging of soundings (propagation checks).
Frequencies are entered by a clunky interface and then you go to the "QRG files" menu and save them. QRG? means, "What's the frequency?" A QRG file is basically a freq list with associated parameters and network addresses to be used with that list.
You'd think that all the bugs in PC-ALE's basic engine would be out by now, but you would think wrong. As noted, the innovation has been driven by other needs, such as getting it scanning with all even semi-popular radios, or using IP networks with 3rd-party additions.
One nasty bug I've always had goes as follows. Stay with me, because this can really mess up your loggings. Let's look at an extract fresh from today's log:
What has happened here is that PC-ALE has created three different hits from what was one single long sounding on 17967. Most people will say wow, three freqs in one second. Well, no, because I've watched these appear on the screen and there have never, ever, been actual transmissions on these extra logged frequencies.
The dead giveaway is that the third of these shows a bit-error rate and SINAD of zero. Such a case wouldn't even decode. It's an obvious program malfunction caused by resuming scan while data from the sound is still being processed.
To be safe, I go through PC-ALE logs and eliminate doubles or triples with the same time and 00 measurements in the last one. Accurate frequency logging is worth it.
Just to confuse things more, the second two have truncated off the last part of ADWSPR due to technical reasons having to do with how all but the first three letters of ALE addresses are sent. Since ADW is also in use by Andrews AFB, it's easy to get confused here. These truncations can occur in any incomplete decode, not just mishandled sounds.
Another issue (not a bug) is the clattering of relays in many radios when they're being scanned. These peak the front-end circuit by switching filters as frequency is changed. If you're going to leave it scanning for hours or days at a stretch, this no doubt shortens their life.
Newer versions of PC-ALE have a "silent" mode which is said to stop this on some radios. I haven't tried this. On the NRD-545, I turn off the relays manually before starting PC-ALE.
Now that I've scared EVERYBODY off of PC-ALE or MARS-ALE, don't be deterred. The rewards are great if one gets the hang of either of these. Happy gurgling.
A full description of PC-ALE would require a book. It's a big program, though it doesn't look it. It has a lot of parameters, and no one has ever fully explained some of them. There's no PC-ALE For Dummies. This makes it one of the more intimidating programs available to hobbyists free of charge.
Fortunately, the hams have taken it up in a big way, and they're driving most of the program's evolution. A few years back, it bifurcated into two major variants. These are a continuing refinement of PC-ALE, and a split-off called MARS-ALE.
As the names would suggest, this was due to the different needs of worldwide use in amateur bands (HFLINK) vs the more structured nature of the Military Auxiliary Radio System. Both of these programs are being actively supported by N2CKH.
Both of these have dedicated Yahoo groups. N2CKH maintains that MARS-ALE is actually the best of the two for receiving. I've experimented with it, and also with the newer PC-ALE versions, but the one I like best for completely personal reasons is still PC-ALE 1.071 Alpha.
MARS-ALE comes with transmitting blocked unless you have DoD authorization. Don't even try transmitting with PC-ALE until you've joined the HFLINK group, gone to its site, and read up on how to do this without destroying amateur-grade equipment.
PC-ALE comes fairly well configured for receiving right out of the box. I tweak a few things having to do with radio control, but these are different for every installation out there. Mostly, you want to make sure you've enabled the logging of soundings (propagation checks).
Frequencies are entered by a clunky interface and then you go to the "QRG files" menu and save them. QRG? means, "What's the frequency?" A QRG file is basically a freq list with associated parameters and network addresses to be used with that list.
You'd think that all the bugs in PC-ALE's basic engine would be out by now, but you would think wrong. As noted, the innovation has been driven by other needs, such as getting it scanning with all even semi-popular radios, or using IP networks with 3rd-party additions.
One nasty bug I've always had goes as follows. Stay with me, because this can really mess up your loggings. Let's look at an extract fresh from today's log:
[20:11:20][FRQ 23337000][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 0 SN 00
[20:11:20][FRQ 18003000][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:11:20][FRQ 17976000][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
What has happened here is that PC-ALE has created three different hits from what was one single long sounding on 17967. Most people will say wow, three freqs in one second. Well, no, because I've watched these appear on the screen and there have never, ever, been actual transmissions on these extra logged frequencies.
The dead giveaway is that the third of these shows a bit-error rate and SINAD of zero. Such a case wouldn't even decode. It's an obvious program malfunction caused by resuming scan while data from the sound is still being processed.
To be safe, I go through PC-ALE logs and eliminate doubles or triples with the same time and 00 measurements in the last one. Accurate frequency logging is worth it.
Just to confuse things more, the second two have truncated off the last part of ADWSPR due to technical reasons having to do with how all but the first three letters of ALE addresses are sent. Since ADW is also in use by Andrews AFB, it's easy to get confused here. These truncations can occur in any incomplete decode, not just mishandled sounds.
Another issue (not a bug) is the clattering of relays in many radios when they're being scanned. These peak the front-end circuit by switching filters as frequency is changed. If you're going to leave it scanning for hours or days at a stretch, this no doubt shortens their life.
Newer versions of PC-ALE have a "silent" mode which is said to stop this on some radios. I haven't tried this. On the NRD-545, I turn off the relays manually before starting PC-ALE.
Now that I've scared EVERYBODY off of PC-ALE or MARS-ALE, don't be deterred. The rewards are great if one gets the hang of either of these. Happy gurgling.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
CAP Comm Exercise Postponed Until Fall
This post comes from Tom, DL8AAM, via the UDXF list:
Meanwhile, here's what I have on CAP so far this month:
ALE address has two formats:
NNNN+SS+CAP
NNN+RRR+CAP
Where
N = figure 0-9
S = letter in US postal code for state
R = letter in abbreviation of CAP region
CAP = US Civil Air Patrol
Stations copied:
0004AZCAP
0004NVCAP
0008WICAP
0011ARCAP
0011CACAP
0011NVCAP
0100NDCAP
0112GACAP
0135ORCAP
0140NVCAP
0303WACAP
030PCRCAP
0323AZCAP
0327COCAP
043MERCAP
060PCRCAP
0708NVCAP
100SWRCAP
9101ORCAP
MER = Middle Eastern Region
PCR = Pacific Coast Region
SWR = Southwest Region
Frequencies heard (kHz; USB ALE):
4477, 5006, 6806, 7602, 8012, 9047, 10162, 11402, 12081, 13415, 14357, 15602, 17412, 19814, 29894
All transmissions were soundings.
Larry,
FYI, just got an email from Michael regarding the planned CAP ALE-exer mentioned on your blog on http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com
> > Actually, because of another major CAP Communications activity,
> > I have deferred that exercise to the fall. (...)
73, Tom
Meanwhile, here's what I have on CAP so far this month:
ALE address has two formats:
NNNN+SS+CAP
NNN+RRR+CAP
Where
N = figure 0-9
S = letter in US postal code for state
R = letter in abbreviation of CAP region
CAP = US Civil Air Patrol
Stations copied:
0004AZCAP
0004NVCAP
0008WICAP
0011ARCAP
0011CACAP
0011NVCAP
0100NDCAP
0112GACAP
0135ORCAP
0140NVCAP
0303WACAP
030PCRCAP
0323AZCAP
0327COCAP
043MERCAP
060PCRCAP
0708NVCAP
100SWRCAP
9101ORCAP
MER = Middle Eastern Region
PCR = Pacific Coast Region
SWR = Southwest Region
Frequencies heard (kHz; USB ALE):
4477, 5006, 6806, 7602, 8012, 9047, 10162, 11402, 12081, 13415, 14357, 15602, 17412, 19814, 29894
All transmissions were soundings.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
US Civil Air Patrol Frequencies
Here's what I have for the CAP on ALE. A star (*) designates ones that I have heard as active in the past couple of months.
3204.0
4477.0 *
5711.0
6806.0 *
7602.0 *
8012.0 *
8294.0
9047.0 *
10162.0 *
11402.0 *
12081.0 *
13442.0
20107.0
25571.0
Most CAP ALE addresses are 4 figures + 2-letter state postal abbreviation + CAP. If the transmitter is a region station, the 3-letter abbreviation for the region is used instead of the state postal code. Ones copied here include MER (Middle Eastern Retion), PCR (Pacific Coast Region), and SWR (Southwest Region).
3204.0
4477.0 *
5711.0
6806.0 *
7602.0 *
8012.0 *
8294.0
9047.0 *
10162.0 *
11402.0 *
12081.0 *
13442.0
20107.0
25571.0
Most CAP ALE addresses are 4 figures + 2-letter state postal abbreviation + CAP. If the transmitter is a region station, the 3-letter abbreviation for the region is used instead of the state postal code. Ones copied here include MER (Middle Eastern Retion), PCR (Pacific Coast Region), and SWR (Southwest Region).
Civil Air Patrol Exercise Soon
The CAP is apparently going to have a radio communication exercise at a time to be announced immediately before it commences, sometime between now and July 4th.
See Larry Van Horn's excellent MT Milcom blog for the full story.
See Larry Van Horn's excellent MT Milcom blog for the full story.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May ALE Hits #4 (8050 & 9025 kHz)
The 8050 Connection:
8050.0 kHz USB has at least three different agencies using it, and probably more. Interoperability? Coincidence?
DKB - - - -- - - US JSOC, Ft. Bragg, NC, sounding
FC8 - - - - - - - FEMA Region 8, Denver, CO, sounding
HUNGRIA2 - Mexican Army, clg HUNGRIA ("Hungary")
PASTOR - - - Mexican Army, wkg CANDELA ("Candle")
The 9025 Connection:
9025 kHz USB is a primary US Air Force SCOPE Command radio system autopatching frequency. It's mostly USAF, but other DoD users come up there, and at least one agency in Mexico also uses it.
000 - - - - - - Unknown US military, clg HIK (Hickam AFB, HI)
460034 - - - Unknown USAF, sounding
523506 - - - USAF KC-135 #62-3506, wkg MCC (McClellan/West Coast, CA)
591480 - - - USAF, unknown a/c, clg self
717 - - - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1717, clg O7SO2R
ADW - -- - - USAF, Andrews AFB, sound and wkg JNR (Puerto Rico)
E31408 - - - USAF E-3B AWACS, calling OFF (Offutt AFB, NE)
GHM - -- - - US military "3-letter net," possible NAOC mission, clg AED (Elmendorf AFB, AK)
HAW - -- - - USAF, Ascension Island, sounding
HIK - - - - - USAF, Hickam AFB, HI
JNR - - - - - USAF Salinas, PR, sound and wkg ADW
MCC - - - - - USAF "McClellan," CA, sound and wkg 523506
OFF - - - - - USAF, Offutt AFB, NE, clg E31408
PLA - - - - - USAF, Lajes AB, Azores
R23573 - - - Possible US Air National Guard, clg OFF
8050.0 kHz USB has at least three different agencies using it, and probably more. Interoperability? Coincidence?
DKB - - - -- - - US JSOC, Ft. Bragg, NC, sounding
FC8 - - - - - - - FEMA Region 8, Denver, CO, sounding
HUNGRIA2 - Mexican Army, clg HUNGRIA ("Hungary")
PASTOR - - - Mexican Army, wkg CANDELA ("Candle")
The 9025 Connection:
9025 kHz USB is a primary US Air Force SCOPE Command radio system autopatching frequency. It's mostly USAF, but other DoD users come up there, and at least one agency in Mexico also uses it.
000 - - - - - - Unknown US military, clg HIK (Hickam AFB, HI)
460034 - - - Unknown USAF, sounding
523506 - - - USAF KC-135 #62-3506, wkg MCC (McClellan/West Coast, CA)
591480 - - - USAF, unknown a/c, clg self
717 - - - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1717, clg O7SO2R
ADW - -- - - USAF, Andrews AFB, sound and wkg JNR (Puerto Rico)
E31408 - - - USAF E-3B AWACS, calling OFF (Offutt AFB, NE)
GHM - -- - - US military "3-letter net," possible NAOC mission, clg AED (Elmendorf AFB, AK)
HAW - -- - - USAF, Ascension Island, sounding
HIK - - - - - USAF, Hickam AFB, HI
JNR - - - - - USAF Salinas, PR, sound and wkg ADW
MCC - - - - - USAF "McClellan," CA, sound and wkg 523506
OFF - - - - - USAF, Offutt AFB, NE, clg E31408
PLA - - - - - USAF, Lajes AB, Azores
R23573 - - - Possible US Air National Guard, clg OFF
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May ALE Hits #3 (FEMA/SHARES)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
FC0FEM - - - - - Region 10 Comm Mgr
FC0FEM002 - - Region 10 Auxiliary
FC0FEM004 - - Region 10 Auxiliary
FC1FEM - - - - - Region 1 Comm Mgr
FC1FEM002 - - Region 1 Auxiliary
FC4FEM - - - - - Region 4 Comm Mgr
FC4FEM002 - - Region 4 Auxiliary
FC6FEM - - - - - Region 6 Comm Mgr
FC6FEM002 - - Region 6 Auxiliary
FC8 - - - - - - - - Region 8, Denver
FC8FEM - - - - - Region 8 Comm Mgr
FC8FEM002 - - Region 8 Auxiliary
FC8FEM006 - - Region 8 Auxiliary
FR4FEM - - - - - Region 4
Frequencies: 2658, 3341, 4780, 5402, 6809, 7348, 8050, 9462, 10194, 10588, 11108, 11126, 11446, 11485, 12129, 12216, 13446, 13894, 14776, 14885 15708, 16201, 17519, 19969, 21866, and 24526 kHz USB.
SHARES (SHAred RESources, Federal freq pool & interoperability capability for ~20 agencies, plus a heavy participation by MARS):
5QWAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA5QW
9BNAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA9BN
9FAAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA9FA
9TCAAA - - - - - - US Army MARS AAA9TC
AAT3BF - - - - - - USAF MARS AAT3BF, Shares Coord. Stn, DE
AQPNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0AQP
KGD34 - - - - - - - - NCC, SHARES Coord. Stn, VA
KOG55C - - - - - - Possible FBI, Las Vegas, NV
OARNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0OAR
OPMHQ2 - - - - - - Unknown US Government
SEJNNN - - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0SEJ
WWLNNN - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0WWL
YXPNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0YXP
Frequencies: 4490, 4765, 5711, 6800, 7642, 9064, 9106, 14396.5, 15094, and 17487 khz USB.
FC0FEM - - - - - Region 10 Comm Mgr
FC0FEM002 - - Region 10 Auxiliary
FC0FEM004 - - Region 10 Auxiliary
FC1FEM - - - - - Region 1 Comm Mgr
FC1FEM002 - - Region 1 Auxiliary
FC4FEM - - - - - Region 4 Comm Mgr
FC4FEM002 - - Region 4 Auxiliary
FC6FEM - - - - - Region 6 Comm Mgr
FC6FEM002 - - Region 6 Auxiliary
FC8 - - - - - - - - Region 8, Denver
FC8FEM - - - - - Region 8 Comm Mgr
FC8FEM002 - - Region 8 Auxiliary
FC8FEM006 - - Region 8 Auxiliary
FR4FEM - - - - - Region 4
Frequencies: 2658, 3341, 4780, 5402, 6809, 7348, 8050, 9462, 10194, 10588, 11108, 11126, 11446, 11485, 12129, 12216, 13446, 13894, 14776, 14885 15708, 16201, 17519, 19969, 21866, and 24526 kHz USB.
SHARES (SHAred RESources, Federal freq pool & interoperability capability for ~20 agencies, plus a heavy participation by MARS):
5QWAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA5QW
9BNAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA9BN
9FAAFA - - - - - - USAF MARS AFA9FA
9TCAAA - - - - - - US Army MARS AAA9TC
AAT3BF - - - - - - USAF MARS AAT3BF, Shares Coord. Stn, DE
AQPNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0AQP
KGD34 - - - - - - - - NCC, SHARES Coord. Stn, VA
KOG55C - - - - - - Possible FBI, Las Vegas, NV
OARNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0OAR
OPMHQ2 - - - - - - Unknown US Government
SEJNNN - - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0SEJ
WWLNNN - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0WWL
YXPNNN - - - - - - USN/MC MARS NNN0YXP
Frequencies: 4490, 4765, 5711, 6800, 7642, 9064, 9106, 14396.5, 15094, and 17487 khz USB.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May ALE Hits #2 (COTHEN)
COTHEN = Customs Over-The-Horizon Enforcement Network.
The original COTHEN was one of the first autoscanning HF networks, using a SELSCAN mode made by Rockwell/Collins. Modulation was based on FED-STD-1045, and used 8FSK with a voice-channel bandwidth. This was replaced by ALE (MIL-STD-188-141).
Recently, use of COTHEN has greatly expanded, especially by the US Coast Guard. It's the busiest US Federal net on HF.
The original net uses these frequencies: 5732, 7527, 8912, 10242, 11494, 13907, 15867, 18594, 20890, 23214, and 25350 kHz, all USB ALE and voice. Stations sound, and also establish link before follow-on voice comms. ALE and voice calls nearly always differ.
More recently other freqs have been added. Mark Cleary has heard 4614.5, 5250, 5909.5, 11222, 13312, and 14582. I can confirm use of these here. Other frequencies are used by COTHEN players, but so far they are not in the same scan.
Identifications come from lists maintained by Mark Cleary and Larry Van Horn/ Tiare Publications.
003 - - - - USCG HC-130J, CG 2003
500 - - - - USCG HC-130H, CG 1500
501 - - - - USCG HC-130H, CG 1501
713 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1713
714 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1714
716 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1716
717 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1717
718 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1718
720 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1720
A23 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60, Omaha 423
A39 - - - - CBP/ICE AB139 #N139HS
A65 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A
A70 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A, Omaha 670
A82 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A
CBE - - - - USCG Cutter Tahoma (WMEC-908)
CNT - - - - Central Regional Comm Node
CPDST - - Unknown
D01 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N801MR, Omaha 1MR
D05 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N805MR
D07 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N807MR
D08 - - - - CBP/ICE
D14 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3A, Omaha 314
D23 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B Slick, Omaha 23SK
D31 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B Slick, Omaha 31SK
D46 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N146CS
D48 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N148CS
D49 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N149CS
D95 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3A, Omaha295
DENPRI - Remote TX, near Denver, CO
EST - - - - Eastern Regional Comm Node
F29 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2129
F31 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2131
F41 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2141, Foxtrot 41
HKW - - USCG Cutter Confidence (WMEC-619)
I00 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N1200N
I08 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N5408G, Omaha 08G
I1L - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N6001L, Omaha 01L
I21 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N26621, Omaha 621
I31 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N2531K
I37 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N6637G
I43 - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N43SA, Omaha 3SA
I4J - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N5314J
I52 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N752CC, Omaha 2CC
I63 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N26663Y
I86 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N586RE
IKL - - - - USCG Cutter Tampa (WMEC-619)
J01 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 01
J03 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 03
J06 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 06
J08 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 08
J09 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 09
J10 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 10
J16 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 16
J19 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 19
J21 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6021
J24 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6024
J25 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 25
J27 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6027
J29 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6029
J31 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6031
J32 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6032
J40 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6040
J41 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6041, Juliet41
J42 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6042
J43 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6043
K02 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6502
K11 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6511
K20 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6520
K36 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6536
K40 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6540
K57 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6557
K59 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6559
K60 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6560
K66 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6566
K72 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6572
K75 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6575
K84 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6584
L08 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6608
LNT - - - - USCG CAMSLANT Chesapeake, VA
LPB - - - - Unknown
N01 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2301
N03 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2303
N05 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2305
N06 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2306
N07 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2307
OMNI - - Unknown omnidirectional rmt
OPB - - - - DEA OPBAT, Bahamas
P26 - - - - Unknown COTHEN Rmt
PAC - - - - USCG CAMSPAC Pt. Reyes
PR1PRI - Primary Remote Tx, PR
RDC - - - - USCG Cutter Campbell (WMEC-909)
T42 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9142B, Omaha 42B
T6P - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N7166P, Omaha 66P
T85 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9085U, Omaha 85U
T91 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9091J, Omaha 91J
T9F - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N76509F, Omaha 09F
TSC - - - - CBP/ICE Technical Service Center, FL
UHC - - - - USCG Cutter Decisive (WMEC-629)
VAI - - - - Unknown
VM1 - - - - ICE
YWL - - - - USCGC Thetis (WMEC-910)
VY1 - - - - ICE
WST - - - - West Regional Comm Node
Z14 - - - - USCG Sector St. Petersburg, FL
Z15 - - - - USCG
Z28 - - - - USCG
Z29 - - - - USCG Sector San Diego, CA
The original COTHEN was one of the first autoscanning HF networks, using a SELSCAN mode made by Rockwell/Collins. Modulation was based on FED-STD-1045, and used 8FSK with a voice-channel bandwidth. This was replaced by ALE (MIL-STD-188-141).
Recently, use of COTHEN has greatly expanded, especially by the US Coast Guard. It's the busiest US Federal net on HF.
The original net uses these frequencies: 5732, 7527, 8912, 10242, 11494, 13907, 15867, 18594, 20890, 23214, and 25350 kHz, all USB ALE and voice. Stations sound, and also establish link before follow-on voice comms. ALE and voice calls nearly always differ.
More recently other freqs have been added. Mark Cleary has heard 4614.5, 5250, 5909.5, 11222, 13312, and 14582. I can confirm use of these here. Other frequencies are used by COTHEN players, but so far they are not in the same scan.
Identifications come from lists maintained by Mark Cleary and Larry Van Horn/ Tiare Publications.
003 - - - - USCG HC-130J, CG 2003
500 - - - - USCG HC-130H, CG 1500
501 - - - - USCG HC-130H, CG 1501
713 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1713
714 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1714
716 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1716
717 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1717
718 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1718
720 - - - - USCG HC-130, CG 1720
A23 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60, Omaha 423
A39 - - - - CBP/ICE AB139 #N139HS
A65 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A
A70 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A, Omaha 670
A82 - - - - CBP/ICE UH-60A
CBE - - - - USCG Cutter Tahoma (WMEC-908)
CNT - - - - Central Regional Comm Node
CPDST - - Unknown
D01 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N801MR, Omaha 1MR
D05 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N805MR
D07 - - - - CBP/ICE Q400 #N807MR
D08 - - - - CBP/ICE
D14 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3A, Omaha 314
D23 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B Slick, Omaha 23SK
D31 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B Slick, Omaha 31SK
D46 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N146CS
D48 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N148CS
D49 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3B #N149CS
D95 - - - - CBP/ICE P-3A, Omaha295
DENPRI - Remote TX, near Denver, CO
EST - - - - Eastern Regional Comm Node
F29 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2129
F31 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2131
F41 - - - - USCG Falcon Jet, CG 2141, Foxtrot 41
HKW - - USCG Cutter Confidence (WMEC-619)
I00 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N1200N
I08 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N5408G, Omaha 08G
I1L - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N6001L, Omaha 01L
I21 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N26621, Omaha 621
I31 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N2531K
I37 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N6637G
I43 - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N43SA, Omaha 3SA
I4J - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N5314J
I52 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N752CC, Omaha 2CC
I63 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N26663Y
I86 - - - - CBP/ICE Cessna 550 #N586RE
IKL - - - - USCG Cutter Tampa (WMEC-619)
J01 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 01
J03 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 03
J06 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 06
J08 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 08
J09 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 09
J10 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 10
J16 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 16
J19 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 19
J21 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6021
J24 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6024
J25 - - - - USCG MH-60J, Juliet 25
J27 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6027
J29 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6029
J31 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6031
J32 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6032
J40 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6040
J41 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6041, Juliet41
J42 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6042
J43 - - - - USCG MH-60J, CG 6043
K02 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6502
K11 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6511
K20 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6520
K36 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6536
K40 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6540
K57 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6557
K59 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6559
K60 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6560
K66 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6566
K72 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6572
K75 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6575
K84 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6584
L08 - - - - USCG MH-65C, CG 6608
LNT - - - - USCG CAMSLANT Chesapeake, VA
LPB - - - - Unknown
N01 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2301
N03 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2303
N05 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2305
N06 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2306
N07 - - - - USCG HC-114A, CG 2307
OMNI - - Unknown omnidirectional rmt
OPB - - - - DEA OPBAT, Bahamas
P26 - - - - Unknown COTHEN Rmt
PAC - - - - USCG CAMSPAC Pt. Reyes
PR1PRI - Primary Remote Tx, PR
RDC - - - - USCG Cutter Campbell (WMEC-909)
T42 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9142B, Omaha 42B
T6P - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N7166P, Omaha 66P
T85 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9085U, Omaha 85U
T91 - - - - CBP/ICE Piper #N9091J, Omaha 91J
T9F - - - - CBP/ICE Beech #N76509F, Omaha 09F
TSC - - - - CBP/ICE Technical Service Center, FL
UHC - - - - USCG Cutter Decisive (WMEC-629)
VAI - - - - Unknown
VM1 - - - - ICE
YWL - - - - USCGC Thetis (WMEC-910)
VY1 - - - - ICE
WST - - - - West Regional Comm Node
Z14 - - - - USCG Sector St. Petersburg, FL
Z15 - - - - USCG
Z28 - - - - USCG
Z29 - - - - USCG Sector San Diego, CA
Monday, May 17, 2010
May ALE Hits #1
US Air Force:
000 - Clg HIK - Unknown USAF
523506 - Wkg MCC - USAF KC-135 #62-3506
ADW - Wkg various - USAF HF-GCS Control, Andrews
ADWSPR - Snd - USAF, Andrews SIPRNET gateway
DL0005DAT - Snd - USAF, E-3B AWACS, data
E31408 - Clg OFF - USAF, E-3B AWACS
HAW - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Ascension Island
HIK - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Hickam AFB, HI
JNR - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
JNRSPR - Snd - USAF, Salinas SIPRNET gateway
MCC - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, old "McClellan"
MCCSPR - Snd - USAF, McClellan SIPRNET gateway
OFF - Wkg various - USAF HF-GCS, Offutt AFB, NE
OFFSPR - Snd - USAF, Offutt SIPRNET gateway
PLA - Snd - USAF, Lajes AB, Azores
Frequencies: 4721, 5708, 6715, 6721, 8968, 9025, 11181, 11226, 13215, 13242, 15043, 15091, 17976, 18003, 23337
US Civil Air Patrol:
0004AZCAP - Snd - AZ CAP
0004NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0008WICAP - Snd - WI CAP
0011ARCAP - Snd - AR CAP
043MERCAP - Snd - CAP Middle Eastern Region
060PCRCAP - Snd - CAP Pacific Coast Region
0100NDCAP - Snd - ND CAP
0135ORCAP - Snd - OR CAP
0140NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0303WACAP - Snd - WA CAP
0708NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0748MOCAP - Snd - MO CAP
100SWRCAP - Snd - CAP - Southwest Region
9101ORCAP - Snd - OR CAP
9101T2CAP - Snd - Unknown CAP
Frequencies: 3204, 4477, 5006, 5447, 6773, 6806, 7602, 8012, 9047, 10162, 11402, 12081
MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System):
5QWAFA - Snd - USAF MARS AFA5QW
9BNAFA - Clg 9DUAFA, 9KJAFA - USAF MARS AFA9BN
9FAAFA - Snd - USAF MARS AFA9FA
9TCAAA - Snd - US Army MARS AAA9TC
AAT3BF - Snd - US Army MARS, not reversed
OARNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0OAR
SEJNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0SEJ
YXPNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0YXP
WWLNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0WWL
Frequencies: 4490, 4765, 5211, 6765, 6800, 7487, 7642, 9106, 11217, 13242, 15094, 17847, 20107, 26812
(Some of these are SHARES, SHAred RESources)
000 - Clg HIK - Unknown USAF
523506 - Wkg MCC - USAF KC-135 #62-3506
ADW - Wkg various - USAF HF-GCS Control, Andrews
ADWSPR - Snd - USAF, Andrews SIPRNET gateway
DL0005DAT - Snd - USAF, E-3B AWACS, data
E31408 - Clg OFF - USAF, E-3B AWACS
HAW - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Ascension Island
HIK - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Hickam AFB, HI
JNR - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
JNRSPR - Snd - USAF, Salinas SIPRNET gateway
MCC - Snd - USAF HF-GCS, old "McClellan"
MCCSPR - Snd - USAF, McClellan SIPRNET gateway
OFF - Wkg various - USAF HF-GCS, Offutt AFB, NE
OFFSPR - Snd - USAF, Offutt SIPRNET gateway
PLA - Snd - USAF, Lajes AB, Azores
Frequencies: 4721, 5708, 6715, 6721, 8968, 9025, 11181, 11226, 13215, 13242, 15043, 15091, 17976, 18003, 23337
US Civil Air Patrol:
0004AZCAP - Snd - AZ CAP
0004NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0008WICAP - Snd - WI CAP
0011ARCAP - Snd - AR CAP
043MERCAP - Snd - CAP Middle Eastern Region
060PCRCAP - Snd - CAP Pacific Coast Region
0100NDCAP - Snd - ND CAP
0135ORCAP - Snd - OR CAP
0140NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0303WACAP - Snd - WA CAP
0708NVCAP - Snd - NV CAP
0748MOCAP - Snd - MO CAP
100SWRCAP - Snd - CAP - Southwest Region
9101ORCAP - Snd - OR CAP
9101T2CAP - Snd - Unknown CAP
Frequencies: 3204, 4477, 5006, 5447, 6773, 6806, 7602, 8012, 9047, 10162, 11402, 12081
MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System):
5QWAFA - Snd - USAF MARS AFA5QW
9BNAFA - Clg 9DUAFA, 9KJAFA - USAF MARS AFA9BN
9FAAFA - Snd - USAF MARS AFA9FA
9TCAAA - Snd - US Army MARS AAA9TC
AAT3BF - Snd - US Army MARS, not reversed
OARNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0OAR
SEJNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0SEJ
YXPNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0YXP
WWLNNN - Snd - USN/MC MARS NNN0WWL
Frequencies: 4490, 4765, 5211, 6765, 6800, 7487, 7642, 9106, 11217, 13242, 15094, 17847, 20107, 26812
(Some of these are SHARES, SHAred RESources)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Suspected Mexican Military ALE Frequencies
Not all are confirmed, but most are. There are a lot of them. Some are more active than others. There may be other frequencies, higher or lower, that no one's heard.
6200 and 8050 are used in the US by FEMA and the National Guard respectively. It is not known if their presence on the list is due to listener confusion.
9025 is also a busy US Air Force ALE frequency. Dialing instructions for phone patches are passed in the AMD field. Strange though it seems, Mexican activity has also been repeatedly confirmed here.
All kHz, USB unless noted.
4110.0
4550.0
4650.0
5252.0
5260.0
5263.0
5400.0
4650.0
5555.0
5590.0
5620.0
5705.0
6200.0?
6800.0
6955.0
6989.0 LSB
7617.0
7666.0
7670.0
7777.0
7900.0
8000.0
8020.0
8030.0
8045.0
8047.0
8050.0?
8065.0
8084.0
8100.0
8125.0 LSB
8281.0
9020.0 LSB
9025.0
9045.0
9050.0
9060.0
9080.0
9105.0
10135.0
10444.0
10463.0
12840.0
14400.0
14715.0
6200 and 8050 are used in the US by FEMA and the National Guard respectively. It is not known if their presence on the list is due to listener confusion.
9025 is also a busy US Air Force ALE frequency. Dialing instructions for phone patches are passed in the AMD field. Strange though it seems, Mexican activity has also been repeatedly confirmed here.
All kHz, USB unless noted.
4110.0
4550.0
4650.0
5252.0
5260.0
5263.0
5400.0
4650.0
5555.0
5590.0
5620.0
5705.0
6200.0?
6800.0
6955.0
6989.0 LSB
7617.0
7666.0
7670.0
7777.0
7900.0
8000.0
8020.0
8030.0
8045.0
8047.0
8050.0?
8065.0
8084.0
8100.0
8125.0 LSB
8281.0
9020.0 LSB
9025.0
9045.0
9050.0
9060.0
9080.0
9105.0
10135.0
10444.0
10463.0
12840.0
14400.0
14715.0
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
National Public Health Radio Network Activates
Sporadic US East Coast ALE activity is being reported on the US Federal interagency National Public Health Radio Network (NPHRN). So far nothing has been heard in the West.
Participants include Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), possibly US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), and many state and local public health departments.
Frequencies are 4442.0, 4757.0 (possible), 4780.0 (possible), 8023.0, 9414.5, 10202.0, 12164.0, and 13488.0 kHz USB.
Participants include Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), possibly US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), and many state and local public health departments.
Frequencies are 4442.0, 4757.0 (possible), 4780.0 (possible), 8023.0, 9414.5, 10202.0, 12164.0, and 13488.0 kHz USB.
Monday, December 08, 2008
USCG Cutters Getting New HF ALE Radios
U.S. Coast Guard chooses Thales HF-ALE radios for surface ships
CLARKSBURG, Md., 21 Nov. 2008. U.S. Coast Guard leaders needed medium-powered high-frequency automated link establishment (HF-ALE) radios for Coast Guard cutter surface ships to be acquired over the next five to seven years. They found their solution from Thales Communications Inc. in Clarksburg, Md.
Thales's systems are going aboard the Coast Guard's fleet of 75 cutters of varying classes, including high- and medium-endurance cutters and the polar icebreaker fleet.
More here
Friday, September 12, 2008
9/13 (UTC) SoCal ALE Hits, Mostly Ike-Related
4490.0 SND KNY58 02:38:33
4490.0 SND 045NCS 03.41.42
5135.0 SND SEMO05 02:26:46
5711.0 SND 043NCS 02:41:27
6806.0 SND 0011ARCAP 03:12:38
7348.0 SND FC4FEM 00:20:14
9414.5 SND ARC
9414.5 SND 119CDCS05 00:50:21
11217.0 SND KTQ313 00:52:05
11217.0 SND AAT 00:45:55
12164.0 SND 119CDCS05 00:43:27
12216.0 SND VA3FEM 00:33:53
FC6:
4780.0
5402.0
6809.0
7348.0
9462.0
13446.0
VA3FEM:
6809.0
9462.0
12216.0
FC4FEM:
6809.0
7348.0
9462.0
10194.0
0011ARCAP = US Civil Air Patrol
043NCS = SHARES Natl. Comm. System Liason, unknown location
119CDS05 = US Centers For Disease Control, NPHRN
FC4FEM = FEMA Region 4, Atlanta, GA
KNY58 = SHARES NCS Liason, Gadsen, AL
KTQ313 = US Environmental Protection Agency, Montgomery AL
SEMO05 = NY State Emergency Mgmt. Office
VA3FEM = Unknown FEMA
FEMA NTCN HF ALE Net:
4780
5378
5402
5821
6809
7348
8050
9462
10194
10588
12216
13446
First National Guard Hit In SoCal
17458.5
HQ703N, link quality analysis with T040NN in ALE at 1914.
US Army National Guard STARC Nationwide Net.
Other National Guard STARC ALE freqs heard nearer the scene include:
5817.0
8047.0
8622.0
12087.0
HQ703N, link quality analysis with T040NN in ALE at 1914.
US Army National Guard STARC Nationwide Net.
Other National Guard STARC ALE freqs heard nearer the scene include:
5817.0
8047.0
8622.0
12087.0
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Federal ALE Logs 1 Sep 08
All USB ALE, Times UTC
31 Aug 08
11217.0 043NCS SND 23:40:31
1 Sep 08
3345.0 WUK437 SND 06:05:53
4757.0 494FEMAUX TO 5CDCS16 04:11:38
5140.0 401MT SND 02:12:32
5140.0 401MT SND 04:27:44
9414.5 494FEMAUX TO 033CDCS22 03:16:26
043NCS = SHARES/ National Communications System
401MT = Unknown FEMA Region 4
494FEMAUX = FEMA WGY 9494, Region 4 Auxiliary Station
05CDCS16 and 033CDCS22 = National Public Health Radio Network stations, Centers for Disease Control
Pre-Gustav FEMA ALE Logs
All heard in Southern California. Times UTC.
30 Aug 08:
6809.0 FC8FEM SND 22:48:40
7348.0 FC8FEM SND 20:48:29
7806.4 FC8FEM SND 22:47:33
8050.0 FC8FEM SND 20:48:15
9462.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:58
9462.0 FC6 SND 21:10
9462.0 FC8FEM SND 21:48:28
10194.0 FC6 SND 21:10
10588.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:33
11108.0 FC6 SND 22:10:47
11217.0 043NCS SND 20:40:23
12216.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:11
12216.0 FC6 SND 21:10
13446.0 FC8FEM SND 20:46:56
13446.0 FC6 SND 21:10
13446.0 FR5FEM SND 22:18:31
14450.0 FC6 SND 23:09:59
14776.0 FC8FEM SND 20:46:41
14776.0 FC6 SND 21:10
FEMA regions:
5 Chicago
6 Maynard, MA
8 Denver
30 Aug 08:
6809.0 FC8FEM SND 22:48:40
7348.0 FC8FEM SND 20:48:29
7806.4 FC8FEM SND 22:47:33
8050.0 FC8FEM SND 20:48:15
9462.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:58
9462.0 FC6 SND 21:10
9462.0 FC8FEM SND 21:48:28
10194.0 FC6 SND 21:10
10588.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:33
11108.0 FC6 SND 22:10:47
11217.0 043NCS SND 20:40:23
12216.0 FC8FEM SND 20:47:11
12216.0 FC6 SND 21:10
13446.0 FC8FEM SND 20:46:56
13446.0 FC6 SND 21:10
13446.0 FR5FEM SND 22:18:31
14450.0 FC6 SND 23:09:59
14776.0 FC8FEM SND 20:46:41
14776.0 FC6 SND 21:10
FEMA regions:
5 Chicago
6 Maynard, MA
8 Denver
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Charles Brain: Bad News for PC-ALE Under Vista
From the hflink group on Yahoo:
Hello Folks,
Well I have done yet another Google search to try and find why programs like PC-ALE won't work properly under Vista.
All I can find is that the Microsoft Vista sound development team have completely re-written the Sound subsystem, they have moved it from Kernel space to User space. Apparently the reason they did this was because Microsoft was being blamed for OS crashes by errant sound drivers that were not their fault.
The side effect of this change has been to disable hardware acceleration in a number of soundcards most notably Creative Devices ones. Creative got around the problem by using their version of ALchemy.
I have not tried this but it might help.
Unfortunately this problem with Vista goes places in Windows that I fear to tread so unless some genius comes up with a simple fix Vista support for PC-ALE will never happen. It seems like the only cards that stand a chance of working are the simplest ones with no hardware acceleration.
Looks like my next project will be Linux based!
- Charles
Friday, May 02, 2008
IARU Simulated Emergency Test Is May 3
For us, the most interesting feature of this event is the use of Automatic Link Establishment on amateur frequencies. From International Amateur Radio Union:
HFN is the amateur Global High Frequency Network. The network frequencies and pilot stations are:
3596.0
7102.0
10145.5
14109.0
18106.0
21096.0
24926.0
28146.0
ALE Net: HFN
SLOT
1 [ User's callsign ]
2 KM4BA
3 KQ6XA
4 WA3MEZ
5 K7EK
6 VE2FXL
7 NJ7C
8 WD8ARZ
9 KN0CK
10 N0PWZ
Amateurs will attempt to link up with these stations and pass their emergency power capability in an AMD (Automatic Message of the Day).
While it is not clear, presumably May 3 begins at 0000 UTC, which is on the 2nd in the US. In fact, it is about an hour from this posting.
A "qrg" (frequency) file is available at hflink.com. If you join their Yahoo! group, you can also get the latest version of PC-ALE, which will scan (MultiPSK and SkySweeper won't). I've got it going here, and it seems much more sensitive than previous versions. Thanks to the hflink administrators for making it available to me.
It is important NOT to attempt to transmit ALE with amateur equipment unless you know what you are doing. It's not designed to change bands this fast unless you are using a good autotuner and antenna(s) for all bands. In addition, the amateur rules impose certain technical issues. Read the materials out on the Internet before trying this mode!!!!!!
Operators participate in the Global Simulated Emergency Test by sending ALE text messages to the central IARU GlobalSET European headquarters relayed via the network of ALE Global HFN Pilot Stations. Hams activate their ALE stations, start scanning and sounding before the event, and send messages during the day of the event. In addition to the emergency practice, this provides valuable
knowledge of the resources that can be mobilized in the event of a real emergency.
HFN is the amateur Global High Frequency Network. The network frequencies and pilot stations are:
3596.0
7102.0
10145.5
14109.0
18106.0
21096.0
24926.0
28146.0
ALE Net: HFN
SLOT
1 [ User's callsign ]
2 KM4BA
3 KQ6XA
4 WA3MEZ
5 K7EK
6 VE2FXL
7 NJ7C
8 WD8ARZ
9 KN0CK
10 N0PWZ
Amateurs will attempt to link up with these stations and pass their emergency power capability in an AMD (Automatic Message of the Day).
While it is not clear, presumably May 3 begins at 0000 UTC, which is on the 2nd in the US. In fact, it is about an hour from this posting.
A "qrg" (frequency) file is available at hflink.com. If you join their Yahoo! group, you can also get the latest version of PC-ALE, which will scan (MultiPSK and SkySweeper won't). I've got it going here, and it seems much more sensitive than previous versions. Thanks to the hflink administrators for making it available to me.
It is important NOT to attempt to transmit ALE with amateur equipment unless you know what you are doing. It's not designed to change bands this fast unless you are using a good autotuner and antenna(s) for all bands. In addition, the amateur rules impose certain technical issues. Read the materials out on the Internet before trying this mode!!!!!!
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