The Utah VHF Society
2 meter and 70cm Simplex Frequency Usage
(Wasatch Front Area Only)

Note:  If you organize and/or belong to a group that often uses one or more simplex frequency (on any band) and your group is not listed correctly below, please contact the simplex frequency manager (below) with the "when and where" details.


IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL AMATEURS:

Simplex operation on the 70cm band

Simplex operations on the 70cm band are not quite as common as those on 2 meters, owing mostly to the fact that 2 meter radios are more common than 70cm radios.  Also, under typical urban conditions, building, trees and other clutter reduce the simplex range of 70cm somewhat in comparison to 2 meters.

There is, however, fairly frequent simplex operation on the 70cm band, and it occurs primarily on the following frequencies:

446.000 and 446.500 MHz

Important note: 
The use of 448.800, 447.825 and 447.850 were removed as 70cm simplex frequencies by the Utah VHF Society in February, 2021 and reassigned for repeater use.

While, according to the bandplan or repeater lists, it might appear that there is plenty of room available for other simplex operations, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT  to note that 70cm is HEAVILY used for control, linking, and other purposes and simplex operations on frequencies other than the above could jeopardize the integrity of such systems.  Just because you don't hear anything on a particular frequency, do NOT assume that it is unused!

Many of the users of auxiliary, control, and linked channels on 70cm, while coordinated, chose to not have their frequencies listed in order to prevent unauthorized access to some aspects of a radio system, and/or because the frequencies are intended as link and control and are not to be used by the general amateur population.

Remember, FCC §97.201, puts the responsibility to avoid interference on the operator of the un-coordinated system when interference issues with a coordinated system arise.

If you believe that your needs require the use of frequencies other than those set apart for simplex operation (on 70cm or any other band) it is strongly recommended that you confer with the Frequency Coordinator and Simplex Frequency manager  before commencing operations - and preferably before you get too far along in your plans!

For a list of assigned 70cm frequencies along the Wasatch Front, click here or go to the bottom of this page.

"What if I want to get some more frequencies for my group?"

While all operators should be applauded for their desire for community service, they should also realize that the amateur radio spectrum is a very limited resource and careful coordination amongst groups - and even within larger groups - is absolutely necessary!

What this means is that if you are part of a larger group, you should not take it upon yourself to get more frequencies, but rather address your concerns to the organization as a whole:  You can imagine the confusion that would result if smaller groups set up their own, individual sub-groups without the knowledge or blessing of the leaders of the organization!  Not only could this result in wasteful duplication of effort, it could also result in the practical problems of additional interference amongst other groups trying to use the same frequencies!

For more information on this topic, click here.


Please note
that simplex frequencies are not coordinated (with the possible exception of 146.52 MHz as the de facto national simplex frequency.)  Simplex frequencies are shared in accordance to "gentleman's agreement" that all amateurs are obliged to observe in frequency sharing and these agreements are intended to provide an orderly framework for many groups along the Wasatch Front to conduct their simplex activities with a minimum of interference.

Under no circumstances should anyone regard a simplex frequency as their frequency.  Conversely, all amateurs should respect the fact that many of these groups hold scheduled nets and should consider this usage when operating.

It should be noted that this list of simplex frequencies is currently managed by Mike Groves, KD7MG  and is subject to review (and revision) by the frequency coordinator.  The lists on this page may not be completely up-to-date:  Check with the manager first!

A few comments on using frequencies for simplex operations:


"Why aren't the "ERC" frequencies shown?"

The LDS-related ERC organization (Emergency Response Communications - formerly known as various names including ERS and ERSS) holds many local and regional nets at various times on numerous frequencies.  For whatever reason, information about the times at which these various nets are held (and their frequencies) has not been readily available.  If you have such information, please provide it to the contact person above. On the "2 Meter Simplex Operations by Frequency" list those frequencies on which ERC nets have been observed are noted in parentheses.

Again, please note...

Again, please note that the simplex frequencies are a shared resource and that one must be considerate of other users of the frequency.  While it is inevitable that some usage conflicts will occur from time to time, it is in our best interest to find workable solutions as these arise and having up-to-date, accurate information can be invaluable.

For a statement of policy by the ERC leadership with respect to the coordination and use of frequencies, please read this document.

THE LISTS BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGES AS CONDITIONS WARRANT!

General-Purpose simplex (ragchew) frequencies:
 
Band   Primary  Secondary 1  Secondary 2
10 Meters  29.600  -  -
6 Meters  52.525   52.540  -
2 Meters  146.520  146.540 146.560
222 MHz   223.500  -  -
70 cm
(analog)
 446.000  446.500 -
70 cm D-Star
438.500
438.5125
70 cm D-Star Dongle
(low-power only, no outside antennas permitted!)
438.525


23 cm  1294.500  -  -
13cm  2305.200  -  -

Notes on general-purpose simplex frequencies:


2 METER Simplex Frequencies by users:
 

Often Used by: Primary Secondary
1
Secondary
2
Secondary
3
Secondary 4 Secondary 5
DO NOT USE SIMPLEX BELOW 145.310 MHz OR ABOVE 147.600 MHz
R.A.C.E.S.  (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) 146.440 147.4000  - -
Local ARRL ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) Groups:        

    Box Elder Co. ARES 146.480 147.600 # -
    Cache County ARES 147.520 146.520 146.560 145.510 - -
    Davis County ARES 147.420 145.570 145.750
- -
    Morgan County ARES 147.500 146.440 -
    SL County ARES 147.540 145.530 146.420 146.500 147.460 147.500
    Tooele County ARES 145.730 147.480 - -
    Utah County ARES 146.460 145.630 - -
    Weber County ARES 146.580 145.650 147.580 145.550
146.560 -
TERT (Timpanogos Emergency Response Team) 145.630 - -
Local M.A.R.A.  (Mercury Amateur Radio Association) Groups:          
    Cache/Rich County MARA 146.540 -
    SL/Tooele County MARA 145.690 145.310 * 145.670 - - -
    Utah County --- South MARA 146.540 145.790 - - -
    Foothill MARA 145.610 -
E.R.C.  (Emergency Response Communications)
(see note above)
         
    ERC North (North of Salt Lake County) 145.590 147.480
147.440
146.600
-
    ERC Central 147.560 147.520
- -
    ERC South (South of Salt Lake County) 145.590 147.520
-
    ERC - "Pole Canyon" 147.600
OTHERS:          
  National Simplex Frequency
146.520




    C.S.E.R.G. Community Service Emergency Radio Group
(Formerly: Clearfield-Syracuse Emergency Response Group)
145.770 - - - - -
    Code Practice 146.580 -
    Utah DX Association 147.600 -
    Lone Peak ARC (formerly:  Highland ARC) 145.790 -
    Council of Utah Amateur Radio Clubs 146.440 147.580 -
    Utah Valley University 146.480 -
    Experimental simplex (simplex autopatch, etc.) 145.710 - -
    Wasatch Front ATV Intercom 145.730 - -
    Malad Pass Remote Base 147.450 @ -
    RMRA Emergency Monitoring Network 145.710 & - - - - -
DO NOT USE SIMPLEX BELOW 145.310 MHz OR ABOVE 147.600 MHz

 

2 METER Simplex usage listed by frequency:
 
Frequency Often Used by Often Used by Often Used by
- DO NOT USE SIMPLEX BELOW 145.310 MHz
145.310 * SL/Tooele County MARA
145.510 Cache County ARES Used by Packet Group in SLC
145.530 Salt Lake County ARES
145.550 Weber County ARES 
145.570 Davis County ARES
145.590 ERC North ERC South
145.610 Foothill MARA (Various ERC) 
145.630 Utah County ARES TERT
145.650 Weber County ARES
145.670 SL/Tooele County MARA
145.690 SL/Tooele County MARA
145.710 & Experimental simplex (simplex autopatch, etc.) - -
145.730 Wasatch Front ATV Intercomm  Tooele County ARES
145.750 Davis County ARES 
145.770 C.S.E.R.G. 
145.790 Utah County ---South MARA Lone Peak ARC (formerly Highland ARC)
146.420 Salt Lake County ARES Cache County ERC
146.440 R.A.C.E.S. Morgan County ARES CUARC
146.460 Utah County ARES (Various ERC) 
146.480 Box Elder County ARES Utah Valley Community College
146.500 Salt Lake County ARES -
146.520 National Simplex Cache County ARES
146.540 Cache & Rich County MARA Utah County ---- South MARA
146.560 Cache County ARES Weber County ARES (Various ERC)
146.580 Weber County ARES K7HLR Code Practice
146.600 % ERC North
147.400 R.A.C.E.S.
147.420 Davis County ARES Davis County ARC 
147.440 SL/Tooele County MARA ERC North (Various ERC)
147.450 @ Malad Pass Remote Base
147.460 Salt Lake County ARES
147.480 Tooele County ARES ERC North
147.500 Morgan County ARES Salt Lake Co. ARES
147.520 Cache County ARES ERC Central ERC South
147.540 Salt Lake County ARES
147.560 ERC Central (Various ERC) 
147.580 Weber County ARES CUARC
147.600 # Box Elder County ARES Utah DX Association ERC - "Pole Canyon"
- DO NOT USE SIMPLEX ABOVE 147.600 MHz

Wasatch Front area 2 METER Packet Frequencies:
 
Frequency Usage
144.390 National APRS
144.910 Rural Wasatch Front Packet (AX.25)
144.930 Utah County Packet
144.950 Salt Lake County Packet
144.970 Davis/Weber/Box Elder Counties Packet
144.990 Rural Wasatch Front Packet (TCP/IP)
145.010 Statewide Packet (not for metro-area users)
145.030 Utah County Packet
145.050 Salt Lake County Packet (AX.25, MSYS)
145.070 Davis/Weber/Box Elder Counties Packet (AX.25, MSYS)
145.090 Tooele/Weber Counties Packet
145.110 Wasatch Front Packet Repeater output - Discontinued - see notice below
145.110 Digital Voice Repeater output
145.125 Digital Voice Repeater output - On Air, D-Star, Farnsworth Peak.
145.130 Utah County Packet (TCP/IP) - Discontinued - see notice below
145.150 Salt Lake County Packet (TCP/IP) - Discontinued - see notice below
145.150 Digital Voice Repeater output - On Air, D-Star, IMC, Murray, UT.
145.150 Digital Voice Repeater output - On Air, D-Star, IMC, Murray, UT.
145.175 Digital Voice Repeater output - On Air, D-Star, Bruin Peak.
145.190 Voice Repeater output - On Air, Salt Lake City, UT.

Important note on the above packet frequencies:

Because of reassignment for use by digital voice and data modes such as D-Star, the use of the of the 145.110, 145.130 and 145.150 packet frequencies are being discontinued and should no longer be used for such.  Each of these frequencies are currently being used for Digital and/or analog repeater outputs. 

Note:  Simplex frequency usage for other bands will be posted as such information becomes available.

LEGEND:
*    145.310 Is a repeater frequency in Cache and Carbon Counties and its simplex use is on a non-interference basis.
@    147.450 This is operated under the auspices of the Southeastern Idaho frequency coordinator and its bandplan.  This remote is tied into the Intermountain Intertie  It is listed here because of its coverage along the Wasatch Front and potential of inference to/from 147.440 and 147.460 in areas near the Utah/Idaho border.
%    146.600 Possible future use as a linear translator output.
#    147.600 Is used as a repeater input frequency in some areas of the U.S. for repeaters on 147.000, but not in the Utah/Idaho/Wyoming border area.




70cm Simplex Frequency use:

The following are assignments of simplex frequencies on 70cm for use by specific groups and/or individuals.

Please note that unlike frequency coordination of a repeater where there are aspects of operation that make frequency agility difficult - if not impossible - the "assignment" of these frequencies is simply to let it be known who is using these frequencies so that "gentlemen's agreements" may be observed.  Where geographical separations makes it practical to do so, these frequencies will be re-used.

For example, if you use a frequency for low-power operation in, say, Utah County, you must expect that this same frequency may be assigned to someone in Davis, Weber, Morgan and/or Cache county for their use as well:  You are expected to take normal, industry-standard steps to mitigate any interference issues such as running minimum power, using an appropriate antenna for the limited coverage, site selection and the selection of subaudible tones or DPL codes or other means to minimize interference between geographically-adjacent users.

If you wish to operate on the frequencies noted below, please have the courtesy to contact the individual listed if you believe that it is likely that your operations may impact theirs.  If the event of a dispute, arbitration will be carried out by the simplex frequency manager (see below for contact information) and decisions by this person are final.


Some of the 70cm simplex frequencies used by groups and individuals.
Frequency
Subaudible tone or DPL
Organization/Name
Callsign
General Location/Area
Purpose
Comments
Do not use simplex below 438.000 MHz Do not use simplex below 438.000 MHz
438.000
Earth<>Space use only! Earth<>Space use only!


Earth<>Space
Earth<>Space use only!
438.025
77.0
Ray Mejias
KD7KQG
Magna
IRLP Node

438.050

Scott Sucher
KC0VHX
Lehi
EMCOMM Net

438.075

Michael Williams
K7KJQ
Layton
EMCOMM Net

438.100

Ken Farley
KF7CLY
Bluffdale
EMCOMM Net

438.125

Ken Farley
KF7CLY
Bluffdale
EMCOMM Net

438.150

Salt Lake County ARES (ARRL)

Salt Lake County
EMCOMM

438.175

Salt Lake County ARES (ARRL)
Salt Lake County
EMCOMM

438.200

Kevin Bosworth
W7BOZ
Cache County
IRLP/Echolink

438.225

Eagle Mountain Comm. Team (EMCTM)

Eagle Mtn.
EMCTM

438.250

Reg. Hardman
VK4XH Layton IRLP Node

438.275

Paul Nelson
K7NEL Layton IRLP Node

438.300

David Boswell
N7VVX Layton Echolink Node

438.325

Darvell Hunt
N7LN Utah County Echolink Node

438.350

Roger Davies
N6DVZ West Jordan D-Star Simplex Node

438.375

Matt Moody
WD7N Utah County ERC

438.400

Matt Moody
WD7N Utah County ERC

438.425

Gary Crum
KK7DV Salt Lake County Experimental

438.450
Gary Vaughan (DHRA)
KF7SSD Salt Lake County EMCOMM Net

438.475

Johnny Rauzi
K7ZZQ Davis County Crossband Testing

438.500
General-purpose D-Star Simplex

Utah (entire state)
D-Star Simplex
12.5 kHz channel spacing
438.5125

General-purpose D-Star Simplex
Utah (entire state) D-Star Simplex
12.5 kHz channel spacing
438.5250 Short range, low power only
Digital Dongles - no outdoor antennas

Utah (entire state) Experimental
12.5 kHz channel spacing
438.550

ERC

not yet specified

438.575

ERC
not yet specified

438.600

ERC
not yet specified

438.625

ERC
not yet specified

438.650

ERC
not yet specified

438.675

ERC
not yet specified

438.700

Doug Chenworth
N7KOB
Utah County
D-Star/IRLP

438.725

Doug Maurer
WE7BBQ
not yet specified
(Use unknown)
438.750

Gil Leonard
NS7IL
Morgan County
Echolink Node #878482

438.775

Sarasota Springs CERT

Utah County
CERT

438.800

Sarasota Springs VIPS

Utah County
(Volunteers in Police Service)

438.825

Paul Marrot
KX7VIC
Utah County
VOIP Low-Power Node

438.850

Philip Thunborg
AK7J
Utah County
D-Star Simplex Note

438.875

Chris Poulson
K7SPY
Salt Lake County
C4FM FDMA experimentation
438.900

Nathan Hunt
KF7KGN
Salt Lake County
Link for remote base

438.925

Sandy City EMCOMM
KG7FMP
Salt Lake County
Sandy City EMCOMM

438.950

Sandy City EMCOMM
KG7FMP
Salt Lake County
Sandy City EMCOMM

438.975

Sandy City EMCOMM
KG7FMP
Salt Lake County
Sandy City EMCOMM

439.000

Sandy City EMCOMM
KG7FMP
Salt Lake County
Sandy City EMCOMM

439.025

Rick Hanzlik
N7NGK
Salt Lake County
EchoLink/IRLP Node

439.050

Lance Buttars
KC1F
Harriman/Salt Lake County
HARC/CERT

439.075

Scott Reynolds
KB7LZLQ
South Jordan/Salt Lake County
Low Power Comms.

439.100

Kevin Bowen
N0KVN
Spanish Fork/Utah County
Crossband/SAR

439.125 Alma Perry W1ZGY Sarasota Sp. N. Stake ERC
439.150 S. SL Couty Am Radio Team N7OVT? Salt Lake County EMCOMM
439.175 118.8 Lawrence B. Lincoln NR7Y Salt Lake County Allstar Node 27150
439.200 Glen Worthington WA7X Salt Lake County Millcreek 
439.225 Noji Ratzlaff KN0JI Utah County Orem Aspen Neighborhood
439.250 Sterling Calabio KC6JLX Utah County Allstar Node 27150
439.275 Darin Watrous W7XDX Salt Lake County EMCOMM
439.300 Brady MacPherson KD7AWJ Utah County SAR/Range Extension
439.325 Dick Abbott K7MZ Salt Lake County Cottonwood Heights EmComm
439.350 Bill Buhler AF7SJ Salt Lake County Experimental
439.450 City of American Fork
Utah County American Fork EMCOMM
439.675 Don Clouse N2NR
Salt Lake County Echolink Node 4272
- - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
446.000
Tones not permitted
Simplex in Utah
Utah (entire state) Simplex in Utah Simplex in Utah
446.500
Tones not permitted Simplex in Utah
Utah (entire state) Simplex in Utah Simplex in Utah


Because they must be known for observation of gentlemen's agreements, the frequencies in the above lists are to be made public.

Please note that there are a large number of frequencies in the 70cm band that are not shown here or in the repeater listings as they are used for linking, control or auxiliary purposes


Re-Use of simplex frequencies:


Narrowband operation:

You may have noticed that some modern radios include "FM-Narrow" operation.  While there are NO analog repeaters in Utah intended for this mode - and radios should not be set to narrowband when using any analog voice repeater - such operation may be encouraged on these simplex frequencies in the future.  Frequencies dedicated to "FM-Narrow" operation, only, will be indicated as such, should they occur.


Digital Mode Operation:


If you use a digital mode such as D-Star, Mototrbo or C4FM in a simplex mode you are encouraged to use one of the existing frequencies, listed above.

PLEASE NOTE:  D-Star operations may operate with 12.5 kHz channel separation between other D-Star operations, but other modes, Digital and Analog (MotoTrbo, C4FM, and FM-wide analog) must be spaced at least 15 kHz to avoid interference for operations that are geographically adjacent - which is to say, within "easy" simplex range of each other.


Simplex Repeater/Node operation:


Unless you have made it known to the frequency manager, DO NOT operate an internet node or simplex repeater on any of the above frequencies because doing so will preclude their being shared in the areas covered by the station.  If a simplex repeater or internet node is used, it is strongly recommended that a subaudible tone or DPL code be used by the repeater/node itself in both transmit and receive to help mitigate any interference issues that might arise.

Please note that if a simplex repeater or node is in operation, FCC rules require that an operator always be present.  This means that at any time the device is in operation, someone must be monitoring the frequency that has the capability of either turning off the transmitter or contacting someone who can.


Site selection:


The use and re-use of these frequencies is contingent on the user(s) expected operation and geographical coverage at the time of the assignment.

If the user moves and/or is anticipating relocating devices/stations using these frequencies to a "high level" site such as the top of a mountain or a location that commands an unusually wide-area coverage, they are violating the intent of their "gentleman's agreement" and not only will they be likely to cause interference to others that might be (re)-using the frequency, but they are likely to experience degradation in coverage, themselves.



It should be noted that this list of simplex frequencies is currently managed by  Mike Groves, KD7MG and is subject to review (and revision) by the frequency coordinator.  The lists on this page may not be completely be up-to-date:  Check with the manager first!

Again, as mentioned above, DO NOT operate on simplex frequencies using PL, subaudible, or digital squelch systems as this is not conducive to effective frequency sharing!

For the purposes of this document, the "Wasatch Front" area includes:  Davis, Weber, Box Elder, Salt Lake, Utah, Morgan, Tooele, Cache and Summit counties.

Questions or comments pertaining to the layout of this web page may be directed to:   uvhfs@utahvhfs.org

This page was last updated on 20210525

Return to the  Utah VHF Society home page.