[FedCom] USSS-Analog Transmissions?

[Chris Parris]

"Arthur-Bryan E. Phelps" wrote:

>
> I have been receiving conflicting information regarding the above.  Apparently,
> in some parts of the country they continue to use analog radios with digital
> encryption.  Some folks have told me that they still can monitor some of the
> primary frequencies "in the clear" prior to the actual visit.  I would, obviously,
> conclude that analog radios are in use.  Correct?

In some areas, this is true. I now live in the Portland, OR area and the local office does
work in the clear mode quite often prior to a visit by a protectee. Also, some security
details not involving POTUS or VPOTUS seem to be the clear. When I lived in the Houston
area, the security detail for former President Bush was always in the clear.

However, about 9 months prior to my leaving the Houston area about 3 years ago, the local
Secret Service office converted over to ASTRO digital radios, and went digital all the
time. But during testing of the new dispatch console, it was apparent that they could
transmit in clear analog, encrypted analog or ASTRO digital.


> Have the well-published frequencies for Baker, Charlie, Mike and Tango changed?  Also,
> regarding the thread earlier this month regarding 164.4000.  Several individuals have
> reported that it is being used by other federal entities.  Has "Papa" left the building?

As far as I can tell, from the last presidential visit I was able to monitor, the standard
USSS frequencies are all still in use. I don't know if the PAPA frequency was always an
exclusive USSS allocation, or just Treasury or what. I have not copied anything other than
USSS traffic on 164.4 mHz that I am aware of, but encrypted traffic is hard to identify!

Chris Parris
Beaverton, OR
TDY Newport, OR