COMMUNICATIONS
Below you will find information on search and rescue radio frequencies, guidelines for use, and HAM repeater information and locations.
SAR RADIO FREQUENCIES AND USE POLICY
Authorization for Use
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Council FCC license includes the following frequencies:
VHF
155.160 MHz KC7064 State SAR
151.370 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 2
159.285 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 3
UHF
460.250 UHF No. 1
465.250 UHF No. 2
Authorization for Use
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Council FCC license includes the following frequencies:
VHF
155.160 MHz KC7064 State SAR
151.370 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 2
159.285 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 3
UHF
460.250 UHF No. 1
465.250 UHF No. 2
Authorization is given for all current NMSARC member teams to operate under our licenses while participating in NM SAR (State Mission Number Issued) activities and trainings. Any authorized resource responding to a mission may use:
151.370 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 2
159.285 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 3
460.250 UHF No. 1
465.250 UHF No. 2.
151.370 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 2
159.285 MHz KC7064 SAR No. 3
460.250 UHF No. 1
465.250 UHF No. 2.
The UHF frequencies were obtained for possible repeater use. It should be noted that these are not the same UHF frequencies allotted to the Amateur Radio Band.
During a SAR mission, the Incident Commander can determine whether the use of one of these UHF frequencies is appropriate, such as for a “cross band repeater” function. For a copy of the FCC license so that you may have team radios programmed for these frequencies contact the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council at P. O. Box 3396, Albuquerque, NM 87190. All use will be in compliance with FCC Regulations.
During a SAR mission, the Incident Commander can determine whether the use of one of these UHF frequencies is appropriate, such as for a “cross band repeater” function. For a copy of the FCC license so that you may have team radios programmed for these frequencies contact the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council at P. O. Box 3396, Albuquerque, NM 87190. All use will be in compliance with FCC Regulations.
RADIO USE GUIDELINES | KEY HAM REPEATERS FOR MISSIONS | FIELD COMM TRAINING | BASE COMM TRAINING | KML |
COVERAGE MAPS
COVERAGE MAPS
Amateur Radio Repeaters Available for NM SAR Communications
This page has information about Amateur Radio, or “ham”, repeater frequencies that may be used by licensed amateur radio operators for communications during NM SAR missions. Ham repeaters are usually located on elevated positions, resulting in fairly wide communication coverage. Of course, their signals may be blocked by other high land masses and may not reach down into canyons.
Mega-Link Repeaters
Thirty four (34) linked repeaters in New Mexico (and four more in CO and TX) provide nearly state-wide radio coverage. By transmitting into one Mega-Link repeater, you will be heard on all Mega-Link repeaters. This powerful capability has advantages and disadvantages for SAR missions. The advantages include being able to stay in contact with teams in route to a mission; relaying vital communications into and out of the mission area; and, in some remote areas, being the primary repeater for tactical information from Incident Base to teams in the field. The disadvantages are that your communications will be heard by a State- wide audience and you will be tying up repeaters normally used by New Mexico hams. So use the Mega-Link system judiciously. Please see this website for a map and description of the Mega-link system: http://nm5ml.com
ARES Repeaters
There are twenty seven (27) ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) repeaters throughout the state. These repeaters are not linked (as of Sept 2011). They are maintained by State and County governments, and may not always be working reliably. They are often co-located at Mega-Link sites and may provide good local coverage, but without tying up the State-wide Mega-Link system.
Other Linked Systems
Other repeaters listed below may be part of regional linked systems. Again, linked systems have advantages and disadvantages. In cases where you will be using only one of the linked repeaters, you may be able to get the system owner to unlink the repeater you will be using from the system. System owners will usually check-in to the system periodically; or Area Commanders or other hams may have telephone numbers for the repeater owners.
Mega-Link Repeaters
Thirty four (34) linked repeaters in New Mexico (and four more in CO and TX) provide nearly state-wide radio coverage. By transmitting into one Mega-Link repeater, you will be heard on all Mega-Link repeaters. This powerful capability has advantages and disadvantages for SAR missions. The advantages include being able to stay in contact with teams in route to a mission; relaying vital communications into and out of the mission area; and, in some remote areas, being the primary repeater for tactical information from Incident Base to teams in the field. The disadvantages are that your communications will be heard by a State- wide audience and you will be tying up repeaters normally used by New Mexico hams. So use the Mega-Link system judiciously. Please see this website for a map and description of the Mega-link system: http://nm5ml.com
ARES Repeaters
There are twenty seven (27) ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) repeaters throughout the state. These repeaters are not linked (as of Sept 2011). They are maintained by State and County governments, and may not always be working reliably. They are often co-located at Mega-Link sites and may provide good local coverage, but without tying up the State-wide Mega-Link system.
Other Linked Systems
Other repeaters listed below may be part of regional linked systems. Again, linked systems have advantages and disadvantages. In cases where you will be using only one of the linked repeaters, you may be able to get the system owner to unlink the repeater you will be using from the system. System owners will usually check-in to the system periodically; or Area Commanders or other hams may have telephone numbers for the repeater owners.
HAM Repeaters for NM SAR Missions
Note: The check boxes in the map legend allow various groups of repeaters to be displayed or hidden as an aid in finding particular repeaters. Clicking on an icon displays the details of each repeater.
Emergency? Call 911 | New Mexico Search and Rescue Council | P.O. Box 3396 | Albuquerque, NM 87190 | [email protected]