JUST in time for Mr. Swinn - FREQUENCIES!!!

[The War Wagon]

In a timely article, reprinted from J.W. Rawles "Survivalblog," here's a GREAT article on VHF/UHF and 'other' communications!

I will also add, that if you live around the Three Rivers, or over around the Philthy Shore (or the Erie shore!!!), Marine Channel use ON land, BEFORE SHTF, might get you in trouble with the USCG, if not other authorities!!!  

Pirate Radio for Sea and Land, by Tunnel Rabbit

January 24, 2021

Editor’s Introductory Note: The following lengthy article is being posted in one piece, for the sale of continuity.  I recommend printing a hard copy for your radio reference binder. Note that some of the methods described are illegal, and are presented for educational purposes only.
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If our country ever becomes Balkanized or collapsed, boat owners could at some point just sail away to calmer waters, sandy beaches, and palm trees. In a WROL situation, they could use their VHF and HF Marine transceiver sets to good effect, much like how Amateur Radio operators can use their equipment. In international waters, the rules are different. And in foreign waters, the consequences for breaking their laws could be severe.

The advantage of VHF Marine band radio is that they already come programmed and channelized, and are generally very easy to use.  Many of them are also built to be very weather resistant and have handsets that are designed for rugged use. Note that there are repeaters used on some channels, and these channels cannot be used for our purposes.  Choose channels designated for ship-to-ship, inter-ship, noncommercial that are simplex frequencies in the 156 to 157 MHz range.  Marine repeaters talk back to VHF Marine radios in the 160 to 161 MHz range.  Do not use these frequencies unless near a port. However as we might now become pirate radio operators at sea, we should also endeavor to use off the beaten path techniques and frequencies to avoid being captured.


Here is an example of a 25 watt Marine Band transceiver offered by a helpful dealer with an excellent customer service track record is the Cobra Marine MR-F45-D Class-D VHF Marine Radio (Fixed Mount)

And here is a hand-held Marine transceiver, 5 watts, that is submersible (briefly):  Uniden MHS75 Submersible Handheld Two Way VHF Marine Radio  These are also preprogrammed and will ‘talk’ to the 25 watt mobile/base radio that I just mentioned.

You’ll need a Marine Band antenna designed for installation on boats, such as: The Tram 1603 VHF Marine Antenna.

The Tram 1181 can also be used for the Marine Band.  This one is designed for vehicle installations and has no ground plane of it’s own. It can be installed with a MNO mount inserted though sheet metal, or we can use a magnetic mounted to secure to the horizontal metal surface requiree to operate correctly.

A strong magnetic mount base for this Tram 1181 antenna is suggested.

In order to make full use of these VHF Marine band transceivers, we might identify all the simplex channels.  This list omits the frequencies near ports that use repeaters.  We can program these into Baofengs and other handhelds to be used as Marine radios, and leave room for other frequency choices that make these radios more useful.

Marine band Simplex Frequencies (ship to ship, no repeater)

Frequency       Channel Number (With the alpha prefix ‘SEA’ for Baofeng programming)

156.050000     SEA01A    Port Operations and Commercial
156.250000     SEA05A    Port Operations.
156.300000     SEA 06     Intership Safety
156.350000     SEA07A    Commercial
156.400000     SEA 08     Commercial (Intership only)
156.450000     SEA 09     Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial.
156.500000     SEA 10     Commercial
156.550000     SEA 11     Commercial,  VTS in some areas.
156.600000     SEA 12     Port Operations. VTS in selected ports.
156.650000     SEA 13     Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships >20m length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters.
156.700000     SEA 14     Port Operations. VTS in selected areas.
156.800000     SEA 16     International Distress, Safety and Calling.
156.900000     SEA18A    Commercial
156.950000     SEA19A    Commercial
157.000000     SEA20A    Port Operations
157.100000     SEA22A    Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime.  Safety Information Broadcasts.
157.200000     SEA 24     Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.250000     SEA 25     Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.300000     SEA 26     Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.350000     SEA 27     Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
156.175000     SEA63A    Port Operations and Commercial
156.275000     SEA65A    Port Operations
156.325000     SEA66A    Port Operations
156.375000     SEA 67     Commercial. Used for Bridge-to- bridge communications in lower Mississippi River. Intership only.
156.425000*    SEA 68     Non-Commercial-Working Channel  (TR notes: best choice for a meet up, or primary channel)
156.475000     SEA 69     Non-Commercial  (TR notes: good alternative for a meet up, or primary channel)
156.525000     SEA 70     Digital Selective Calling (voice communications not allowed)
156.575000     SEA 71     Non-Commercial
156.625000     SEA 72     Non-Commercial, Inter ship only.
156.675000     SEA 73     Port Operations
156.725000     SEA 74     Port Operations
156.875000     SEA 77     Port Operations
156.925000     SEA78A    Non-Commercial  (TR notes: good alternative for a meet up, or primary channel)
156.975000     SEA79A    Commercial
157.025000     SEA80A    Commercial
157.425000     SEA88A    Commercial, Intership only.

My suggested list does not include simplex channels that are reserved or restricted by the government.
Take the time to read through the Band Plan for this radio service. The NOAA weather frequencies are just up the dial…

NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies:
WX1         —     162.550
WX2         —     162.400
WX3         —     162.475
WX4         —     162.425
WX5         —     162.450
WX6         —     162.500
WX7         —     162.525

Stealth by Sea
MURS (Multi User Radio Service) radios are license-free frequencies that can be used just like your CB.  These have a similar range as 2 Meter handheld, or Marine handheld.  A Baofeng on a good external antenna can have triple the range over a ‘rubber ducky’ type or standard handheld antenna.  Any of these frequencies can be entered into the ubiquitous Baofeng UV5R by using the orange colored button labeled VFO.  It is not programming the radio, but can be used by the radio as if it were programmed.
Put a label on the backside of the battery with the frequency chosen and cover it will clear packing tape to make it water-resistant. However, the first 3 channels should not be used on an antenna that is designed for VHF Marine Band radio.  The range is would be severely limited and the radio would become increasingly damaged with repeated use.

MURS Radio Frequencies:

CH#    Frequency    bandwidth

CH1    151.820 MHz (11.25 kHz)
CH2    151.880 MHz (11.25 kHz)
CH3    151.940 MHz (11.25 kHz)
CH4    154.570 MHz (20.00 kHz)
CH5    154.600 MHz (20.00 kHz)


MURS is a set of frequencies well known in the patriot community, and likely is already programmed in their radios.  Having a set of common frequencies means better coordination.  These frequencies can be used as ‘calling’ frequency, a place to meet up on the air, and then we would switch to a tactical channel.  We can to a limited extent, also use frequencies in the Business band.  These frequencies are often used by contractors building roadways, or on a temporary basis by businesses.  This set of frequencies is set aside, and not licensed on a permanent basis. No one owns these frequencies.

In my part of the country (the Inland Northwest) no one cares if you use them even if on a semi-permanent basis. It is best, however, to monitor these frequencies before using them. For example, both our local town police and a logging outfit use one of these frequencies on a regular basis, and illegally.  Because radio traffic is so minimal in this part of the country, no one cares.  However, in the big city where radio traffic could be crowded, this kind of abuse may not be tolerated.  However, even in the big city, we can also use these frequencies only intermittently, as a back channel, or tactical channel, and blend in with the city radio traffic noise, or used as an alternate in case one of the MURS frequencies is compromised in some way.

With all of this mind, we can now explore off the beaten path set of frequencies that can work with your existing Marine band antennas. You have already have an outstanding antenna on your boat for a low or high powered network using Baofeng, Marine Band, or other inexpensive open banded VHF radios. 4 or 5 watts on any decent antenna that could be a boat mast, that is as high, or higher than 50 feet above flat unobstructed terrain could be expected to travel up to 10 miles or more. We can also use a directional antenna to boost our 4 watts to 20 watts giving us 30 miles of range, and an ability to somewhat conceal our signal.  With the use of a 5 element yagi antenna, we can reduce our radio or RF footprint to as little as 75%.

We could also connect an inexpensive and open-banded Chinese 25 to 50 watt mobile to our boat’s antenna.  Program it with all the VHF Marine band channels and add MURS, Business Band in the 154 to 158 MHz range, and all of the allocation in the Transportation band that is in the 158 to 160Mhz range (for licensed users of commercial buses, and truckers). Use an SWR meter to confirm that your VHF Marine Band antenna has a low SWR on these frequencies. 2.1 to 1 and lower is perfectly acceptable. Being a builder of antennas, I know that the antenna on your boat should be usable, or resonant on frequencies between 154.00MHz to 160.000MHz.  We can connect Baofeng radios to this antenna by using an SMA Female to UHF (aka, SO-239) adapter. Pick up extras of these adapters for each of your Baofengs, or for others you may meet up with later.

Pick up a very inexpensive and easy to use SWR meter that can test your boat’s antenna for VHF, and UHF frequencies.

It can be used to test any VHF/UHF antenna, even on other boats.  Most VHF antenna can also transmit on UHF frequencies.  It is very simple to use.  Simply connect and transmit on a selected frequency. Any SWR number of 2.1 or less, means it is a good antenna for that particular frequency.  Here is a short video and one of many of how to use this inexpensive and easy to use meter.  It will not work for testing CB antennas.
Pirates Beware: A Word of Caution
The VHF Marine Band is being monitored and recorded all along the coastline and major waterways by the U.S. Coast Guard, and other DHS agencies such as ICE, and Border Patrol. But pirates should know how they might be vulnerable if using only the Marine Band.  We can use frequencies within the range of the Marine Band antenna that are not a part of the Marine band. If more than 10 miles from a U.S. port, we can use an additional set of frequencies set aside, yet inaccessible to transportation companies.

I suggest two simple frequency lists that combine MURS, Business band, and Transportation frequencies.  One should be used while in port, and the other can be used when outside U.S. ports and major cities.  I’ll keep it short, but we can also draw on a longer list in the future, if needed.

List #1 for Ports:
154.570   MURS Ch #4
154.600   MURS CH #5
154.5275  Business band
158.400   Business band
158.4075  Business band

List #2, examples for outside the U.S, or remote areas (159 to 160.000 MHz).  Use narrow band settings to avoid interfering with other frequencies
159.0125   Transportation
159.2125   Transportation
159.3125   Transportation
159.4125   Transportation
159.5125   Transportation

The 159 to 160 MHz chunk of the spectrum is allocated for Commercial buses and trucks (Transportation). A license is required.  At sea, or perhaps even ashore during a WROL (Without Rule of Law) situation we are unlikely to run into any buses or trucks.

As a general rule, outside of ports, we could use any frequency your boat’s antenna can transmit on.  These would be between 154 to 160 Mhz. Test the VSWR of your antenna to verify that these frequencies could be used using the inexpensive and easy to use meter suggested — the SW102 found on Amazon. It will probably also transmit on UHF.  Use a Baofeng as a signal generator for all UHF and VHF frequencies, and record the results.  I would not be surprised if the VHF Marine band antenna, already installed, would have a usable SWR of less than 2.1 to 1 somewhere in the range of 462 to 482MHz. The range could include the FRS and GMRS channel and some UHF business band frequencies that are between 462 to 470 MHz.  It is likely you effectively have a dual-band antenna, and do not yet know it. There are 88 Marine Band channels, and the Baofeng can store up to 127 channels.  I would be inclined to install all of the Marine Band frequencies, and use the other 39 frequencies for MURS and Business band, a few ham repeaters, and NOAA. If you replace your 25 watt VHF Marine radio with a full-power and open-banded Chinese radio, such as an Anytone 5888AT, then one could store up to 700 UHF, or VHF frequencies.
Scanners for Pirates
A fully programmed Baofeng could also be used as a slow scanner for the ham bands near your favorite port, or other ports you might like to listen to. One can then increase their situational awareness.  Using an actual scanner would be far more productive.  However, it is good to know your options.  Here is one example of the many scanners out there:
Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner. This example could be used for comparative purposes.

It might be a good choice for a boat as it can be mounted to the dash, and comes with an external mag-mount antenna.  It also comes with the Close Call feature.  This is a very good feature to have in any scanner, as it can capture any frequency in the band selected, that happens to be used close by, and is not programmed into the scanner to be scanned.  I would set the Close Call feature to monitor VHF frequencies.  It is most likely to alert us that the Coast Guard is close by and attempting to board you.  And the price of $110 makes it relatively inexpensive. However, it is only an analog scanner, and does not hear the digital traffic that is used by most Emergency Services today.

This digital do-all scanner is impressive, but so is the price, $380, when I last checked:

Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2, Location-Based Scanning
Antenna Selection
For getting the most out of our equipment, consider the Tram 1181 Antenna.  (Frequency range: 140 to 170 Mhz, and 430 to 470 MHz). Antennas are very important.  They can be game-changers if we understand them. We are attempting to get the most out of our money, and equipment to maximize our capabilities, and to create redundancy where possible. The relatively small price of this antenna provides us huge gains in versatility, and increases the range of the lowly Baofeng several times. It can also be used as an antenna in case you get shipwrecked and can salvage your 25 watt VHF Marine radio, or other VHF mobile transceiver, and at least one photovoltaic panel to power it.

Put one of these on a magnetic mount that can be put on the boat’s metal roof, the dingy’s gas can, or used on any vehicle, and even placed outside the window of structure on a flat metal surface (to from a groundplane), that could be as small as a #10 can on shore, or in the boat’s stores. With this antenna, the boat can talk to whatever vehicle, or house you own, or rent at a port, or from a grass hut.  It can also be used as an alternative, or backup antenna for the primary VHF Marine radio should the primary VHF antenna fail on the boat.

It could also be a part of a land-mobile base station radio station using a Baofeng alongside the VHF Marine radio to monitor a shore party, other pirates, or friendly villager lookouts using a handheld Baofengs, or inexpensive, simple, and expendable FRS radios that they might already own.  A Baofeng used inside a vehicle or a boat cabin, that is metal cage for RF, greatly reduces the already short range of a handheld.  An external antenna on a metal roof can triple the range.  A Baofeng connected to your 50-foot high antenna could talk to a Baofeng with the Tram 1181 mounted on the roof of a vehicle, or another boat as far away 10 miles reliably, and out to 20 miles in ideal conditions.

Although it is not the best propagating antenna, the Tram 1181 is broadbanded, and also a dual-band antenna that would cover 95% of the possible frequencies one is likely to use. It covers all radio services, and more.  For example, we can use the Baofeng and this antenna to talk the VHF/UHF Ham bands, Public, and Emergency Services, Railroads, Trucker and buses, and Marine radios, as well all Business bands, and GMRS and FRS radios.  In other words, if you find another radio somewhere and you know the frequency it uses, odds are you will able to talk to it.  If other pirates happen to have Hams radios, and someone out there likely do, then you can talk to them as well.  You may already have a few GMRS/FRS radios.  These are the most ubiquitous radios in the U.S..  Ham radios are common as well.  Add a SSB CB to the boat, and your coverage broadens even more.  In decades past, this capability would cost well over $1,000 USD, but we get it done for under $200.

The Tram 1181 is essentially 6 or more antennas for the price of one.  And it does not need to be tuned if used within it’s range of 140 to 161 MHz, and 420 to 470 MHz.  Most antennas for sale must be tuned, yet most folks do not have this capability, and do not know that they must be tuned. Advertisers neglect to mention this.  Badly tuned antennas, and faulty antennas, destroy radios over time. Not good.  Most Marine band antennas are the exception. I have tested a big box full Tram 1181 antennas for other people, and they consistently test well for the frequencies advertised.  They are also well made, rugged, and not prone to failure.  It’s broad coverage easily offset the advantages of antennas advertised as high gain antennas.  There are better propagating antennas, but I would rather have a multi-tool.  If you would not need this kind of flexibility, then I could suggest getting another Marine band antenna that is a high gain antenna, and limit your self to the frequencies discussed, or 154 to 160 MHz.

Here is a strong magnetic antenna mount base.
Transceivers for Pirates
Here is a short list of VHF/UHF mobiles that can use the Tram 1181 antenna to it’s fullest, and because of versatility, would also require an additional antenna to use their full potential.  As someone who keeps an eye on radios for sale, I’ve noticed a recent drop in availability of many once-popular models.  Just like ammo, we are beginning to see the bottom of the barrel, especially in the lower end market.  Fortunately, there is still something for everyone.

The Wouxun KG-UV980P Quad Band Base/Mobile Two Way Radio is available for around $310. This is a quad band, cross band repeat, 50 watt transceiver, that transmits using FM only in these frequency ranges: 26 to 29 MHz, 50 to 54 MHz, 136 to 174 MHz, and 400 to 480 MHz.  It can generally be described in terms of Amateur Radio as a 10 meter, 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70cm, yet this unit transmits outside of these Amateur bands, and is much more than simply a Ham radio.  For example, it also transmits in FM in the CB range of frequencies, and is subsequently in a gray area where FCC regulations are not enforced, and likely not monitored.  It is in the range that is the wild west of radio where just about anything goes, including the CB free bands where few CB today can go either. And there are fewer radios that go there that transmit on FM.  Transmitting there, one would be well off the beaten path.

Just for clarification: While it will transmit on the same frequencies as CB, it can not talk to CB’s, because CB uses Amplitude modulation (AM), and not frequency modulation (FM) that this transceiver uses.  It can, however, receive CB traffic. One of the big advantages of VHF low band is the ability of these longer radio waves to propagate further as ground waves, than can the VHF high band.  The shorter the wave length, the shorter the range.  There is a many-fold difference in propagation between 27 MHz and 144 MHz.  Just be sure to stay away from the 10 meter ham band. It is well-monitored, and hams are self-policing. As a quick mention only, some modern military radios can use the 6-meter band.  The cross band repeat works between both the low VHF bands, and the high VHF bands only.  A quad band antenna is available.

For around $283, you can get an Anytone 5888UV III Tri-Band FM Transceiver 136-174Mhz & 220-260 & 400-490Mhz Tri-Band Mobile Radio with programming cable. This is a tri-bander with cross-band repeat, and with 50 watts maximum on VHF.  Cross-band repeat allows the user to transmit on a low power hand held, usually on a UHF frequency, and the radio would re-transmit the signal with up to 50 watts on the VHF side. We could use a Baofeng transmitting on for example a GMRS frequency to be broadcast at 25 watts on the Marine Band through this Anytone transceiver. The Baofeng could also be set to receive on the Marine Band channel, and listen for a reply.  The 1.25 meter part of the radio can not be used with the Tram 1181. However, it does transmit on VHF, 136 to 174 MHz that includes the VHF Marine band, and 400 to 490MHz that includes 462 MHz to 482 MHz, where the typical Marine band antenna already installed on the boat may also be resonant, or usable.  Use a tri-band antenna, and tri-band Baofeng such as the Baofeng UV5III, and you have 200 MHz to 260 MHz almost to yourself. However, a license is required to use these bands and much of it is allocated for government use.  Fortunately, a Technician’s License would give you access to the 1.25 Meter Amateur band. This Anytone radio is easy to use, and easy to program with CHIRP.  I’ve programmed several of these radios.  It stores up to 700 channels!  I use them all.

For about $130, here is a low dollar option that is a basic dual bander the meets my criterion, but only offers 25 watts of output on VHF.  With a programming cable, these can be programmed with CHIRP.

And at the bottom of the barrel, for $85 you can get a QYT KT-8900R Tri-Band VHF:136-174MHz, UHF:400-480MHz Mobile Transceiver 25W Dual Watch Ham Radio w/Free Cable. But it does meet my operational requirements. Programming software is available from the supplier.  I have no experience with this radio. Note that it is advertised as a tri-bander, yet it is not a tri-bander.  To say the least, they are using ‘aggressive’ marketing techniques.

There are also other mid-price transceivers available, for less than $200. Not otherwise discussed, are the B-tech series of radios.  While these are a good value, these do not transmit above 450 MHz, and in the GMRS range of frequencies.  Because they did not do not transmit in a useful frequency range above 450MHz, I’ve excluded them.
Free Programming Software: CHIRP
Here is free software that is typically used to program a Baofeng and many other radios:  CHIRP Download.
You’ll also need a programming cable. It is easy to use the software.  Choosing frequencies is a bit more complicated, but changes are quickly made if a change is necessary.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is for the masses. If you’d rather set sail than deal with more complicated  radios, here is an option that can complement your VHF Marine radios, and help one avoid being potentially monitored in the waterways.  This list is intended to provide those who have little knowledge about radios and their components, and allows these persons a sort of kit approach, so they can quickly and easily get it done, and get underway.

If taking a test, and programming radio is not your thing, GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) offers a no test license for a fee of $35.00 that includes the entire family, and the dog. However, this type of radio would be my distant second choice as UHF frequencies do not travel as far in undulating terrain as does VHF. And these radios are lower in power, 40 watts verses 70 watts that can be found in some VHF Amateur radios such as Yeasu, and others. UHF is best suited for the concrete canyons of the cities, and will likely not have the range of VHF even on the water, yet these radios should be more than adequate in most situations.

Here are all the main components that will help do a cost-benefit analysis. Also, check RadioReference.com to see if there are any GMRS repeaters in your area.  Ideally you’ll want 2 mobile Midland MXT400’s, one for the house, and one for your vehicle.
GMRS Mobile, and Handheld Transceivers
Here are some decent quality GMRS radios:

• The Midland MXT400 GMRS 2-Way Radio is about $250.
  
• Wouxun, GMRS handheld, true 5 watts, repeater capable
  
• Midland, GMRS, pair of hand held radios, 1.5 watt, not repeater capable
  

Antenna and cables for GMRS base station radio installation

• Slim Jim antenna for GMRS.
  
• Heavy coaxial cable for shorter runs, custom order by the foot.
  
• Very heavy coaxial cable for long runs, custom made, order by the foot.
  
• Antenna and cable for vehicle-mounted mobile radio.
  
• GMRS, magnet mount and high gain, 6dbi, antenna for the Midland MXT400 mobile.
  

VHF and UHF Frequency Lists
In the event it is necessary to set sail without a programmed Baofeng or high powered mobile, here are other frequencies for pirate radio operators that can be entered manually into the VFO of the radio and used:

Family Radio Service (FRS)
462.5625  FRS Ch. 1 (shared with GMRS)
462.5875  FRS Ch. 2 (shared with GMRS)
462.6125  FRS Ch. 3 (shared with GMRS)
462.6375  FRS Ch. 4 (shared with GMRS)
462.6625  FRS Ch. 5 (shared with GMRS)
462.6875  FRS Ch. 6 (shared with GMRS)
462.7125  FRS Ch. 7 (shared with GMRS)
4675625  FRS Ch. 8
467.5875  FRS Ch. 9
467.6125  FRS Ch. 10
467.6375  FRS Ch. 11
467.6625  FRS Ch. 12
467.6875  FRS Ch. 13
467.7125  FRS Ch. 14

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
NOTE:  FRS RADIOS USUALLY INCLUDE GMRS AS CHANNELS 15 TO 22 THAT HAVE A LONGER RANGE THAN FRS FREQUENCIES AS RADIO ARE ALLOWED UP TO 5 WATTS YET TYPICALLY ONLY TRANSMIT AT A MAXIMUM OF 1.5 WATTS. The Baofeng transmits at around 4 watts.  To access GMRS repeater, use the default tone that is 141.3 and shift up 5.0 MHz.

462.55 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH15
462.575 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH16
462.6 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH17
462.625  GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH18
462.65 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH19
462.675 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH20
462.7 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH21
462.725 GMRS (also may be used simplex) CH22

GMRS Repeaters broadcast on these frequencies
467.55 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.575 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.6 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.625 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.65 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.675 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.7 GMRS (also may be used simplex)
467.725 GMRS (also may be used simplex)

MURS (Multi User Radio Service)
These are licenses free:
151.82 MURS
151.88 MURS
151.94 MURS
154.57 MURS/Blue Dot
154.6 MURS/Green Dot

VHF Business Band (itinerants)
151.505
151.5125
151.625 Red Dot
151.64
151.7
151.76
151.955 Purple Dot
154.5275
158.4
158.4075

UHF Business Band (Itinerants)
UHF frequencies usually have a shorter range than VHF, but not always.  UHF can propagate better
than VHF from inside and around buildings. However, there are advantages to having a limited range forested and hilly areas in that fewer will potentially hear you. UHF is a better tactical frequency band. That is why Army headsets use 399.00 to 399.99MHz.

451.8
451.8125
456.8
456.8125
464.5      Brown Dot
464.55    Yellow Dot
464.6
464.625
464.65
464.7
464.725
464.75
467.75
467.7625 J Dot
467.775
467.8
467.8125 K Dot
467.825
467.85   Silver Star
467.875 Gold Star
467.9     Red Star
467.925 Blue Star
469.5
469.55
469.6
469.625
469.65
469.7
469.725
469.75

Found in Motorola Business class UHF Radios:

461.0375
461.0625
461.0875
461.1125
461.1375
461.1625
461.1875
461.2125
461.2375
461.2625
461.2875
461.3125
461.3375
461.3625
462.7625
462.7875
462.8125
462.8375
462.8625
462.8875
462.9125
464.3250
464.4875
464.5125
464.5375
464.5625
464.8250
466.0375
466.0625
466.0875
466.1125
466.1375
466.1625 M
466.1875 M
466.2125 M
466.2375 M
466.2625 M
466.2875 M
466.3125 M
466.3375 M
466.3625 M
467.7875 M
467.8375 M
467.8625 M
467.8875 M
467.9125 M
469.2625 M
469.4875 M
469.5125 M
469.5375 M
469.5625 M


Film/Video Production:

152.87 M
152.9 M
152.93 M
152.96 M
152.99 M
153.02 M

HF Marine Transceivers

HF Marine Transceivers are an under-appreciated, and potential pirate tool on sea and land. In this day and age, these transceivers are rarely used by the younger generation who are more comfortable with reliable satellite internet connections, and all sorts of high tech devices.  Yet savvy old pirates of yore who still remember how, can learn how to use HF Marine sets in unconventional ways.

Near vertical incidence skywave (N.V.I.S.) antennas should get a mention as there are many HF Marine radios out there.  Any HF set that can transmit on frequencies at 7MHz (40 meter) and lower, can use this type of antenna to talk with all points of a region that is approximately 200 to 300 miles in diameter without the use of repeaters.  This kind of radio transmission was commonly used during the Vietnam war. In the old days it was referred to as Short Skip radio. Few radio enthusiasts know about NVIS.  Marine HF sets are channelized can be used in place of a Ham radio HF set.  Here are the channels that can be used in this way.  It is extremely difficult to DF this kind of transmission — except as groundwave, up close.  An NVIS antenna can be inexpensive and easily deployed. An NVIS antenna is inexpensive, easy to construct. as well.  Ideally, a dipole at 25 feet would give one the best performance, yet the same antenna can be used at deck level. To learn more, use this link and download all the files labeled NVIS. These are print-friendly versions.

Here is short list from the USCG web site of some of the frequencies that an HF Marine band transceiver can use with this type of antenna:

4 MHz Duplex Channels
ITU Channel No. Coast Transmit kHz Ship Transmit kHz
401 4357 4065
402 4360 4068
403 4363 4071
404 4366 4074
405 4369 4077
406 4372 4080
407 4375 4083
408 4378 4086
409 4381 4089
410 4384 4092
411 4387 4095
412 4390 4098
413 4393 4101
414 4396 4104
415 4399 4107
416 4402 4110
417 4405 4113
418 4408 4116
419 4411 4119
420 4414 4122
421 4417
422 4420 4128
423 4423 4131
424 4426 4134
425 4429 4137
426 4432 4140
427 4435 4143
428 4351 (varies)
429 4354 (varies)
Note regarding channel 421: 4125 kHz is used for calling, and is for GMDSS distress and safety communications, in the simplex mode. Distress and safety communications have priority over all other communications. The USCG urges that channel 421 not be used in the duplex mode.

I hope that you find the preceding information useful.



Tunnel Rabbit


P.S. I should have included these frequencies in the article. These are found in the now discontinued Motorolla RDX series hand held radio.
151.6250
151.9550
152.8850
152.9150
151.7000
151.7600
152.9450
151.8350
151.8050
151.5125
151.6550
151.6850
151.7150
151.7450
151.7750
151.8650
151.8950
151.9250
152.9000
154.4900
154.5150
154.5275
154.5400
153.0050
154.5475
158.4000
158.4075

1. Hope this makes for a good START, ER!