Rail fan communications FAQ
I subscribe to a number of discussion groups on Yahoo one of which is Rail Scan where all things related to rail road radio are discussed. In a recent posting another ham operator, Rich N9JIG, contributed a frequently asked question file that he has been working on and with his permission I am posting it to the blog. If you have suggestions to add to this list I encourage you to join the Yahoo Group RailScan or you can email them to me and I will pass them along.
Remember when it comes to being a rail fan you must act responsibly and whether taking photos or simply watching and listening to trains you need to observe railroad right of ways and property postings and always act with safety as your first priority. Here is the FAQ from Rail Scan
Railfan Radio FAQ’s by Rich Carlson / N9JIG
Q1) Can I listen to trains on a scanner?
Q1) Yes! Most rail communications in the USA and Canada are on 160
thru 162 MHz. Check various websites for the actual frequencies used
in your area, some are listed here:
http://www.radioreference.com
http://www.on-track-on-line.com/scanner-radio.shtml
http://www.carmachicago.com/profiles
Q2) Is it legal to listen to railroad communications?
A2) For the most part, yes. Some states have restrictions on mobile or
portable scanner use but for the rest of the USA and Canada you are
usually fine. Check out http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/ for
your area.
Q3) Can I talk to the trains on a radio?
A3) No! It is strictly illegal to transmit on channels you are not
authorized on, this includes railroad channels. Even though you can
buy radios on eBay etc. that might be capable of transmitting on
railroad channels, it is illegal. In these days of increased security
concerns around transportation facilities a radio capable of
transmitting on rail channels is just going to invite increased
scrutiny.
Q4) What if it is an emergency?
A4) Use a cell phone or other legal means of contacting someone. Call
9-1-1 or go to the nearest grade crossing and find the phone number
stenciled on the controller box.
Q5) I have a friend who works for the railroad and he said it was OK.
Doesn’t that count?
A5) No. Unless you have written permission from the license holder you
are not authorized to communicate on railroad channels. Individual
employees are not authorized to grant these permissions.
Q6) Can’t I just get a license for these channels since I am a
railfan/photographer, etc.?
A6) No. Licenses to use railroad channels are granted only to
railroad companies for official business of the railroad. Licenses on
rail channels are not issued to railfans or photographers.
Q7) What radios can I use to coordinate my railfanning with others?
A7) You could use a variety of radios. CB, FRS or MURS radios do not
require a license and are usually good for a half mile or so, more in
open areas. If you are a licensed ham operator there are a wide
variety of radio channels you could use to talk to other hams. If you
are in the railfan business, such as a professional photographer, you
could get a license in the Business radio service. Cell phones and the
various PTT services (like Nextel) might work well too.
Q8) I want to be able to tell the engineer to whistle for my video,
can’t I just tell him on the radio?
A8) No. Unless you are officially sanctioned by and make prior
arrangements with the railroad company officials, trying to get an
engineer to activate his whistle or horn could be considered as
interference with operations. There are noise laws, operational rules
and other considerations, so if you really need a train horn on your
video work it out with the railroad in advance or add in the sound
effect later.
Q1) Can I listen to trains on a scanner?
Q1) Yes! Most rail communications in the USA and Canada are on 160
thru 162 MHz. Check various websites for the actual frequencies used
in your area, some are listed here:
http://www.radioreference.com
http://www.on-track-on-line.
http://www.carmachicago.com/
Q2) Is it legal to listen to railroad communications?
A2) For the most part, yes. Some states have restrictions on mobile or
portable scanner use but for the rest of the USA and Canada you are
usually fine. Check out http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/
your area.
Q3) Can I talk to the trains on a radio?
A3) No! It is strictly illegal to transmit on channels you are not
authorized on, this includes railroad channels. Even though you can
buy radios on eBay etc. that might be capable of transmitting on
railroad channels, it is illegal. In these days of increased security
concerns around transportation facilities a radio capable of
transmitting on rail channels is just going to invite increased
scrutiny.
Q4) What if it is an emergency?
A4) Use a cell phone or other legal means of contacting someone. Call
9-1-1 or go to the nearest grade crossing and find the phone number
stenciled on the controller box.
Q5) I have a friend who works for the railroad and he said it was OK.
Doesn’t that count?
A5) No. Unless you have written permission from the license holder you
are not authorized to communicate on railroad channels. Individual
employees are not authorized to grant these permissions.
Q6) Can’t I just get a license for these channels since I am a
railfan/photographer, etc.?
A6) No. Licenses to use railroad channels are granted only to
railroad companies for official business of the railroad. Licenses on
rail channels are not issued to railfans or photographers.
Q7) What radios can I use to coordinate my railfanning with others?
A7) You could use a variety of radios. CB, FRS or MURS radios do not
require a license and are usually good for a half mile or so, more in
open areas. If you are a licensed ham operator there are a wide
variety of radio channels you could use to talk to other hams. If you
are in the railfan business, such as a professional photographer, you
could get a license in the Business radio service. Cell phones and the
various PTT services (like Nextel) might work well too.
Q8) I want to be able to tell the engineer to whistle for my video,
can’t I just tell him on the radio?
A8) No. Unless you are officially sanctioned by and make prior
arrangements with the railroad company officials, trying to get an
engineer to activate his whistle or horn could be considered as
interference with operations. There are noise laws, operational rules
and other considerations, so if you really need a train horn on your
video work it out with the railroad in advance or add in the sound
effect later.
Suggestions and or updates should be directed to:
posted by Ken / WA3FKG at 11:31 AM
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