December 4th, 2024, was a standout day in my radio scanning journey. It’s not every day that you manage to log a brand new frequency, let alone several rare or previously inactive ones. From unexpected transmissions to reactivated channels, the day was full of discoveries that made it one for the books. Here's a rundown of the frequencies I logged, including the stories behind them.
1. 462.125 - UHF Simplex: A New Frequency Logged
The day started off with a breakthrough—a brand-new frequency logged for the first time on my scanner: 462.125 MHz in the UHF Simplex range.
This was an exciting moment, especially since it's not common to stumble across completely new frequencies active these days. The log occurred in Riverside. The voices on the airwaves seemed to belong to school staff (we have have four schools in this area), possibly communicating logistics related to events or coordination. This is a unique find, as it’s likely this frequency hasn't been used much, if at all, before. A moment of serendipity! I now have added this to my dedicated UHF wideband handheld, to keep a closer ear out for it's use.
2. 465.4 - CSE Cross Com: A Re-emerging Frequency
Next, I logged 465.4 MHz on a frequency that hadn’t been heard in my logs since 2017. It’s always intriguing when an old frequency comes back to life, and on 04/12/2024 at around 9:30 PM, it was very active.
The transmissions on this frequency appeared to come from a security company, with the callsigns "Tango Alpha Base" and "Tango Alpha 1,2,3" being repeated frequently. There was also a series of "Copy your Charlie 1,6,7" exchanges, indicating some kind of operational communication, possibly related to security patrols or site monitoring.
This type of activity is rare, and the frequency's re-emergence after years of dormancy is fascinating. It was a reminder of the constant ebb and flow of radio communications, where channels sometimes go quiet for years and suddenly spring back into action.
3. 495.0625 - VizPix: Camera Crews on the Move
Another exciting log for the day came at 10 PM on 495.0625 MHz, a frequency that had only just started being picked up in my scanning sessions. This frequency is used by VizPix, which provides camera services for racing events.
During my scan, I heard discussions about zoom levels and tracking the action on various parts of the racecourse. It was clear that the crew was coordinating the coverage of a race, possibly adjusting cameras and preparing to broadcast the event. This frequency gave me a deeper understanding of how these camera crews communicate to ensure seamless production—another unique and practical use of the radio spectrum. In the past they had been logged active on UHF CB.
4. 509.875 - Office of Racing Integrity: A New License
The last frequency of the day was 509.875 MHz, which I found had been newly licensed by the ACMA in November 2024. This frequency appears to be used by the Office of Racing Integrity at Mowbray Racecourse.
I logged this frequency around 10 PM, and the transmissions were very active, with the team discussing which horses to check and coordinating the opening of gates for track access. This was a great find as the frequency had only just been licensed, and its activity suggested a well-coordinated team working behind the scenes at a major event.
Reflecting on a Unique Day
Overall, December 4th was an extraordinary day on the bands. It’s not every day that I get to log a brand new frequency, especially one that seemed to be used by a school staff. On top of that, I logged three other frequencies that aren't commonly active, making this a day I won't forget. From the CSE Cross Com frequency re-emerging after years of silence to the Office of Racing Integrity and VizPix frequencies, it was a mix of the old and the new, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Radio scanning has a way of rewarding patience and persistence, and days like this remind me why I’m so passionate about this hobby. It's a unique thrill to piece together the puzzle of communications, and I can’t wait to see what else the bands have in store.
Keep scanning, and who knows what you'll discover next!
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