From time to time I get asked about the best frequencies for use with Hotspots. I decided to dig into this get some answers.
I started by looking at the information available from my local frequency allocation organization, SCRRBA. I couldn’t find anything listed, so I sent them an email.
They gave me two frequencies, 441.500 and 441.520. These are identified as “Simplex Digital (packet) 16khz BW – no voice”. The “packet” and “no voice” threw me a little.
If you have a duplex hotspot you can use one of the test pairs (446.860- and 446.880-). Be aware, there are lots of repeaters in SoCal using these frequencies.
If you are not in Southern California you should check with your local frequency coordination group as this will probably be different for you.
For example, I looked at Arizona and found 441.500 is a repeater control channel. In general they don’t coordinate simplex channels.
We have the same issue in Nevada they do not coordinate simplex frequencies. Here in Vegas we have an issue with some putting up All Star nodes on simplex but having an antenna on a 50 foot tower. They are using CTCSS so not hearing the others they are causing issues with. One such individual is running so much power it’s causing interference over 15 miles away. He has been reported but nothing gets done. When someone gets on and tries to talk to him he say he doesn’t speak English, but the node Id’s in English.
What would be the safe place to park our spots?
What do you mean by “a safe place”? Are you talking about the frequency? If you are in Southern California, the frequencies mentioned in the article are probably the best choices.
If you are somewhere else, look for a digital simplex frequency in your local band plan.
Yes. thank you for the information.
Speaking of getting thrown a off, you made a reference to a “Duplex Hotspot ??
Also, here in Colorado, my local repeater coordination group (CCARC – Colorado Council Of Amateur Radio Clubs) has allocated the following frequencies for “Miscellaneous and Experimental Modes”…..
145.5 TO 145.8
They also have an allocation on 440 called “Mixed Mode Simplex – Digital and Voice Mixed” that be done on/between the following frequencis…..
445.7 to 446.3 (Thoughas a general rule of thumb (If for no other reason) DMR users tend to avoid going below 446.0 since that’s the National wideband simplex Calling Frequency EVEN THOUGH we can
The local bandplan makes NO mention of hotspots NOR does it/are define just EXACTLY WHAT is “”Miscellaneous and Experimental Modes” & “Mixed Mode Simplex – Digital and Voice Mixed” but based on MY interpretation of the terms, it seems pretty self-explainatory to me & I feel safe in programming my Code Plugs the way I do
This is also (At least largely) in line with the ARRL bandbplan for 2M & 70cm too
In Arizona, as per the Arizona Band Plan – 440.925 simplex is designated as Narrow Band Simplex.
A good place to put your hot spot.
Do not use 441.500
As there is no national organization for frequency coordination groups and the ARRL refuses to address the situation, I did something about it. Looking for your state’s coordinator, see this http://w2xq.com/bm-ar-repeaters.html webpage. Hope it helps. Updates welcome.
FWIW, I tucked my hotspot frequency within the ATV allocation, above the satellite band. There are no ATV repeaters in my section or adjacent sections, nor did I find any for hundreds of miles