VHF Channel 0

[Stork_III]

Several years back there was a thread about channel 0 and someone said that the Dutch or it might have been Belgian Marina Channel was our channel 0.
So a 'foreign' hand held could be the answer

Dutch Marina channel is usually CH31, which is used in UK for RNLI beach rescue. You can get a Notice of Variation to your License allowing CH31 to be programmed on your radio, but it is a requirement of the NOV that it is not used within 31 nautical miles of UK low water line. Ch0 (156.00) is different to CH31 (157.55).

 

[prv]

I might be wrong as it is so long since we listened in but I got the feeling they also used another private channel other than Ch0 and switched to that for the really private stuff.

I remember ChanelYacht saying they'd like to have a more exclusive channel, akin to the Police's digital system, but there are so many Ch0 users out there (Coastguard volunteers, independent lifeboats, etc) that it's deemed too expensive to re-equip everyone.

I think they phone each other if there's something really private to discuss.

Haven't some jounalists been jailed recently for illegal interception of telecomms, or is that different somehow?

Morally I guess the difference is that one has a greater expectation of privacy on a telephone, because it's meant to be a point-to-point private connection. Everyone using a radio knows that it's broadcast, even if the audience on that channel is supposed to be limited.

Legally, you're right that they're very closely related things.

Pete

 

[Reverend Ludd]

There is a PDF here that provides a comprehensive list for scanners.
Maritime frequencies start on P28 of 67

Is this not a US list ?

 

[Conachair]

which receive only scanner would you recommend.

Don't know, but..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UV-3R-Mar...ecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item4ab34b66c4

these can transmit on pmr frequencies so you could buy a couple, listen to lots and have a couple of walkie talkies.

 

[cliffdale]

Don't know, but..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UV-3R-Mar...ecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item4ab34b66c4

these can transmit on pmr frequencies so you could buy a couple, listen to lots and have a couple of walkie talkies.

Thats a good find, im interested in a couple my self!

 

[chanelyacht]

I remember ChanelYacht saying they'd like to have a more exclusive channel, akin to the Police's digital system, but there are so many Ch0 users out there (Coastguard volunteers, independent lifeboats, etc) that it's deemed too expensive to re-equip everyone.

I think they phone each other if there's something really private to discuss.

And as if by magic

Ch0 is a CG private channel, but we do also authorise other declared SAR assets - e.g. RNLI and indie lifeboats, some NCI stations, police helos, etc. It's primary purpose is SAR coordination, but it also carries out paging network and is used for routine comms.

We do have another VHF frequency which is exlcusively CG, but is not massively used as it means taking one of our aerials away from Ch67 (or whatever) to use. It's main purpose is for CG teams to communicate on scene, or for training, without taking up Ch0 time. It isn't authorised to anyone else.

Ch0 has a lot of limitations, interference being a large problem as it is a "pure" frequency.

Some stations, e.g. London, also have police airwave due to specialised local circumstances, but we haven't the infrastructure or the budget to use it nationally, primarily as when out teams are working with the police, our on sceme commander will work with us on Ch0.

We would tend to take a very dim view of unauthorised use.

 

[Submariner!]

Haven't some jounalists been jailed recently for illegal interception of telecomms, or is that different somehow?

Different. The Journos have not been listening to calls - very difficult to do so as GSM is highly encrypted.

With most phone numbers, there is a voicemail which is secured by a PIN number. Networks set a dafault number which most people do not change. Journos have dialed into the voicemail to retrieve messages.

Regarding chan 0, the ships radio licence is granted so that approved radio's may be installed. The type approval specifies frequencies, power etc. Any modification to the radio say to pick up other frequency would make the radio non compliant.

Not quite sure where scanners (recieve only) sit on this one? Loads on the market which picks up aircraft, ships (inc 0) and taxis.

One used to be able to pick up the police on a standard FM radio - top end of top end of the range clse to 107MHz. Things are diferent these days though, Police are using Tetra systems.

 

[Bilgediver]

Haven't some jounalists been jailed recently for illegal interception of telecomms, or is that different somehow?

theyy were allegedly getting into peoples personal voice mail using a land line or mobile phone. Maybe not quite the same thing.

 

[earlybird]

I suspect that the law doesn't differentiate between methods of unauthorised inteception of telecomms, which is illegal.
Whether it's practical to enforce this on a widespread basis is a different matter.

 

[Conachair]

Thats a good find, im interested in a couple my self!

I got a couple for 55 quid. If you have ham license then you've got access to the 2m & 70cm bands. Otherwise pmr frequencies. Comes with earphones/mic with hands free vox so up the mast you don't have to shout. Doubt if they'd take much salt water though.

 

[oldvarnish]

I am told, but haven't tried it, that if you have an ICOM set ( and possibly other makes) you have the option, by using various keystrokes, to enable to receive US channels which are different to ours. There, lo and behold, you will find channel zero.

 

[Stork_III]

I am told, but haven't tried it, that if you have an ICOM set ( and possibly other makes) you have the option, by using various keystrokes, to enable to receive US channels which are different to ours. There, lo and behold, you will find channel zero.

According to this list Ch0 - 156.00 freq, not included in US vhf channels.

 

[rjp]

My Intel h/h has the facility to switch to USA and Canadian channels and I've just tried it, but no channel 0 on either.

 

[Bilgediver]

I am told, but haven't tried it, that if you have an ICOM set ( and possibly other makes) you have the option, by using various keystrokes, to enable to receive US channels which are different to ours. There, lo and behold, you will find channel zero.

Not unless it has been programmed in as a private channel.

 

[mcframe]

I thought that it was decided some time ago that it was not illegal to receive ANY transmissions (including Police and so on) but acting on (or possibly even repeating) what you hear is illegal.

That's me stuffed then.

I used to head into Bembridge (or anchor in Priory Bay), with my h/h scanner on the Bembridge airfield frequency listening for the arrival of my mate+wife in their microlight.

15 mins later, I'd text his mobile to let him know which bit of the beach we'd chosen for the BBQ ;-)

 

[oldvarnish]

According to this list Ch0 - 156.00 freq, not included in US vhf channels.

Apologies, then. I was quoting hearsay - always dodgy.

 

[starboard]

Channel 0 is indeed 156.00mhz, most scanners can tune into that band.Upwards from Channel zero you half the channel number and add it onto the 156.00
i.e CH16=156.80
CH14=156.70
CH12=156.6

 

[Billjratt]

and cannot buy transceivers that will tune to it - I don't know the answer to that question.


Pete

My Furuno can (and has been ) programmed to operate on chan0, I also carry a Kenwood THF7 which again can be programmed to any frequency - with a "reverse" key for use on the duplex channels.
I don't know of a restriction in listening frequencies, since anyone could build a radio receiver - from a crystal set upwards -that can 'hear' radio waves. The prosecutable restriction is using/repropagating any information picked up, and of course, unlicenced transmitting.

As we know, chan0 then chan16 have the priority "perches" on the CG masts, If I had a life-threatening emergency, and could only reach them on chan0 I wouldn't hesitate to try, with their permission of course.
There are lots of 'dark' places on the VHF map of the West Coast.

 

[Stork_III]

My Furuno can (and has been ) programmed to operate on chan0, I also carry a Kenwood THF7 which again can be programmed to any frequency - with a "reverse" key for use on the duplex channels.
I don't know of a restriction in listening frequencies, since anyone could build a radio receiver - from a crystal set upwards -that can 'hear' radio waves. The prosecutable restriction is using/repropagating any information picked up, and of course, unlicenced transmitting.

As we know, chan0 then chan16 have the priority "perches" on the CG masts, If I had a life-threatening emergency, and could only reach them on chan0 I wouldn't hesitate to try, with their permission of course.
There are lots of 'dark' places on the VHF map of the West Coast.

Ch0 "can" be programmed onto any normal UK compliant VHF set, But that programming, reception of Ch0 transmissions and actual transmissions require specific authorisation not covered by the normal SRL. Your use is illegal. Under the terms of your SRL, your action could result in revocation of the license, confiscation of the equipment and prosecution.

Do you post U tube videos of your speeding as well?

 

[Trident 24]

Not sure about this

Ch0 "can" be programmed onto any normal UK compliant VHF set, But that programming, reception of Ch0 transmissions and actual transmissions require specific authorisation not covered by the normal SRL. Your use is illegal. Under the terms of your SRL, your action could result in revocation of the license, confiscation of the equipment and prosecution.

Do you post U tube videos of your speeding as well?

He specifically mentioned 'life threatening situations'. I believe that anybody can transmit on any frequency in these circumstances, whether licensed or not.