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Too Many Secrets

Space Weather
CQ CQ CQ — Calling All Stations 73 — Best Regards DX — Long Distance QSO — Contact Confirmed

Frequency Allocations

Operating Bands

From globe-spanning HF to line-of-sight VHF and UHF, each band has its own personality, propagation, and community.

HF — High Frequency
160 m Amateur 1.8–2.0 MHz
80 m Amateur 3.5–4.0 MHz
60 m Amateur 5.3–5.4 MHz
40 m Amateur 7.0–7.3 MHz
30 m Amateur 10.1–10.15 MHz
20 m Amateur 14.0–14.35 MHz
17 m Amateur 18.068–18.168 MHz
15 m Amateur 21.0–21.45 MHz
12 m Amateur 24.89–24.99 MHz
10 m Amateur 28.0–29.7 MHz
VHF / UHF — Very / Ultra High Frequency
6 m Amateur 50–54 MHz
2 m Amateur 144–148 MHz
1.25 m Amateur 222–225 MHz
70 cm Amateur 420–450 MHz
33 cm Amateur 902–928 MHz
23 cm Amateur 1240–1300 MHz

Select a band on the chart above to see its full frequency detail and license-class privileges.

Off-Grid Digital Mesh

Meshtastic Networking

Meshtastic is an open-source, long-range mesh radio project running on low-cost LoRa hardware. Nodes relay encrypted text messages, GPS positions, and telemetry across a decentralized network — no internet, no cell towers, no infrastructure required.

In the East Tennessee / Smoky Mountains region, terrain can be challenging for traditional VHF comms. Meshtastic nodes placed on ridgelines and high ground can relay packets across valleys where handheld radios struggle. It complements — rather than replaces — amateur radio, and a Technician license is not required for the default 915 MHz ISM band operation.

WA4WTH runs a Meshtastic node at grid EM73 connected to the MQTT bridge for regional coverage. Node ID and channel details below.

📡 915.0 MHz SF10 / BW250 LongFast Channel EM73 Grid
↗ meshtastic.org ↗ MeshMap Live ↗ Supported Hardware ↗ Channel Setup
WA4WTH Node Config
Node NameComing Soon...
RegionComing Soon...
ChannelComing Soon...
Modem PresetComing Soon...
Hop LimitComing Soon...
MQTT BridgeComing Soon...
Grid SquareComing Soon...
Common Hardware

Popular Meshtastic-compatible devices include the Heltec V3, LilyGO T-Beam, RAK WisBlock, and Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E. Most run on a single 18650 cell with solar top-up for days of unattended operation. The Meshtastic app is available for Android and iOS via Bluetooth pairing.

Smoky Mtns Terrain Tips

LoRa at 915 MHz is line-of-sight dominant. A node at elevation — even 1,000 ft above the valley — can extend coverage dramatically. Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft) and Mt. Le Conte (6,593 ft) would provide exceptional range nodes covering multiple counties. Use the Router role for fixed high-gain nodes and Client for mobile handhelds.

Licensing Path

Getting On the Air

The FCC issues three amateur radio license classes. Each unlocks more privileges and greater operating freedom.

LICENSE CLASS 01

Technician

Your entry point. 35-question exam covers regulations, safety, and basic electronics. Full VHF/UHF privileges. No Morse code required.

LICENSE CLASS 02

General

35-question upgrade exam. Unlocks the majority of HF privileges across most bands — the world becomes reachable.

LICENSE CLASS 03

Amateur Extra

50-question exam. Full privileges on all amateur bands and sub-bands, plus exclusive segments reserved for Extras only.

RESOURCES

Study & Test

Ham Radio Prep, ARRL License Manual, and local radio clubs all offer free or low-cost prep. VE sessions held nationwide monthly.

East Tennessee

Local Repeaters

Repeaters are defaulted for the Knoxville, TN area. Please use the "Use My Location" button to find your local repeaters. Always verify current status on RepeaterBook before programming — frequencies and tones can change. Data sourced from RepeaterBook, ArtSci, and local club listings.

See repeaters near your location

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Live results will appear here
2m FM
70cm FM
6m / 1.25m
D-STAR
Fusion / C4FM
DMR
GMRS
CB / 11m
MURS
SAR
Output (MHz)OffsetPL ToneCallsignLocationFeaturesNotes
145.170–600118.8WB4GBIKnoxville (View Park Hill)FMIRLP 4865On air since 1991. Open autopatch.
145.210–600100.0W4BBBKnoxville (RACK)FMRadio Amateur Club of Knoxville. Autopatch.
145.370–600100.0W4KEVKnoxville (Sharp's Ridge)FMEcholinkLinkedLinked to W4KEV 147.345 & 147.195 network spanning TN/KY/GA/NC/VA.
146.625–600118.8WB4GBIBlount Co. (Chilhowee Mtn, 2450ft)FMMETERS emergency alternate. E-power.
146.715–600100.0—Wilderness Trail ARC areaFMWilderness Trail ARC net Wednesdays.
146.835–600107.2—Anderson CountyFMAnderson County ARES net Thursdays 8:30 PM.
146.940–600118.8WB4GBIKnoxville (Greentop/Bluff Mtn, 3100ft)FMIRLP 8342Wide-area. METERS primary. Hospital net last Fri/month.
147.075+600118.8WB4GBIKnoxvilleFMOpen autopatch.
147.300+600100.0—KnoxvilleFMTN Traffic net frequency.
147.345+600100.0W4KEVEast TennesseeFMLinkedPart of W4KEV wide-area linked network.
147.375+600—K4PCKKnoxvilleFMLinkedLinked to K4PCK 220 machine.
↗ Full Knoxville listing on RepeaterBook
Output (MHz)OffsetPL ToneCallsignLocationFeaturesNotes
442.500+5——KnoxvilleFMLocal coverage.
443.025+5——KnoxvilleFMLocal coverage.
443.250+588.5WA4FLHKnoxville (Sharp's Ridge)FMSharp's Ridge site.
444.175+5—KB4RECKnoxville (Beaver Ridge)DMR CC1MotoTRBO DMR, TS1 & TS2, Color Code 1.
444.300+5118.8WB4GBIKnoxville (Greentop, 3100ft)FMIRLPCo-located with 147.940 & 927.0625 systems.
444.525+5100.0KB4RECKnoxvilleFMLinkedLinked to KB4REC 53.47 6m repeater.
444.575+5100.0—KnoxvilleFMTN Traffic net 70cm frequency.
440.575+5118.8WB4GBIKnoxvilleDMRWB4GBI DMR repeater.
↗ Full Knoxville listing on RepeaterBook
Output (MHz)OffsetPL ToneCallsignLocationFeaturesNotes
53.470–1.7100.0KB4RECKnoxvilleFMLinked6m. Linked to KB4REC 444.525 70cm repeater.
224.220–1.6100.0—KnoxvilleFM1.25m band.
224.340–1.6118.8WB4GBIKnoxvilleFM1.25m WB4GBI system.
224.380–1.6100.0—KnoxvilleFM1.25m band.
224.500–1.6100.0—KnoxvilleFMTN Traffic net 1.25m frequency.
224.580–1.6100.0N4KFIKnoxville (≤6 mi)FMAux power backup.
224.760–1.6—K4PCKKnoxvilleFM1.25m. Battery backup. Linked to K4PCK 147.375.

D-STAR repeaters use ICOM digital voice (AMBE+2 codec). Program your radio with the RPT1/RPT2 fields using the module letter (A=70cm, B=2m, C=1.2GHz). Gateway (G) module enables internet linking via DCS/REF/XRF reflectors.

Output (MHz)OffsetModuleCallsignLocationGatewayNotes
145.170–600BWB4GBI BKnoxvilleDV GatewayD-STAR DV mode. RPT1: WB4GBI  B, RPT2: WB4GBI  G.
444.300+5AWB4GBI AKnoxville (Greentop)DV GatewayD-STAR 70cm DV. RPT1: WB4GBI  A, RPT2: WB4GBI  G.
1282.000–20CWB4GBI CKnoxvilleDV GatewayD-STAR 1.2 GHz DD/DV module.
D-STAR Quick Setup
MY: WA4WTH     RPT1: WB4GBI  B     RPT2: WB4GBI  G
UR: CQCQCQ (calling)  |  Use reflector call for DCS/REF links
Note: module letter must be in position 8 (space-padded to 8 chars)
↗ D-STAR Repeater Directory — dstarusers.org

Yaesu System Fusion (C4FM) repeaters support both analog FM and digital voice. WIRES-X nodes allow linking to worldwide YSF/FCS reflectors. AMS (Automatic Mode Select) lets you use either mode without changing settings.

Output (MHz)OffsetPL / TSQLCallsignLocationFeaturesNotes
146.625–600118.8WB4GBIBlount Co. (Chilhowee Mtn)C4FMAnalogMixed-mode. Analog capable.
147.075+600118.8WB4GBIKnoxvilleC4FMAnalogMixed-mode Fusion. E-power, WIRES-X.
444.300+5118.8WB4GBIKnoxville (Greentop, 3100ft)C4FMAnalogMixed-mode. Wide area coverage.
145.370–600100.0W4KEVKnoxville (Sharp's Ridge)C4FMLinkedMixed-mode. Part of W4KEV East TN network.
Fusion / WIRES-X Tips
Enable AMS for automatic analog/digital detection  ·  Press DX button to access WIRES-X room search
Connect to YSF reflectors: enter #nnnnn  ·  FCS reflectors: 5-digit number (e.g. 00480 for FCS America)
↗ Fusion Repeater Directory — RepeaterBook

DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) uses TDMA technology to run two timeslots on a single channel. Program your radio with the Color Code (CC) and the appropriate Talkgroup IDs for TS1 (worldwide/regional) and TS2 (local).

Output (MHz)OffsetColor CodeCallsignLocationNetworkNotes
444.175+5CC 1KB4RECKnoxville (Beaver Ridge)MotoTRBOTS1 & TS2. MotoTRBO MMDVM.
440.575+5CC 1WB4GBIKnoxvilleDMRWB4GBI DMR system.
DMR Quick Reference — Common Talkgroups
TG 91  Worldwide  ·  TG 93  North America  ·  TG 3  USA National
TG 3147  Tennessee Statewide  ·  TG 31472  Tennessee Local
TG 9  Local (TS2)  ·  TG 99  Tactical (TS2)
↗ Tennessee DMR Repeaters — RepeaterBook

GMRS repeaters operate in the 462/467 MHz band. A GMRS license ($35, no exam, covers your whole family) is required to use them. Standard offset is +5 MHz (transmit on 467.xxx, receive on 462.xxx).

ChOutput (MHz)Input (MHz)PL ToneCoverageLocationFeaturesNotes
17462.600467.600141.3Knox / Viking MtnKnox CountyGMRSLinkedLinked to 462.725 Viking Mtn & 462.725 Oak Ridge. Net Tue 8:30 PM.
20462.675467.675141.3Knoxville AreaKnox County / Sevier Co.GMRSWide area coverage. Net Thu 8:00 PM.
22462.725467.725141.3Viking MountainKnox / Anderson Co.GMRSLinkedLinked to 462.600 Knox & Oak Ridge machines.
15462.550467.550141.3GatlinburgSevier CountyGMRSSevier County. Less active.
21462.700467.700141.3Chilhowee MtnBlount CountyGMRSBlount County coverage.
Full GMRS Channel Chart (1–30)
ChannelFrequency (MHz)Type
1462.5625Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
2462.5875Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
3462.6125Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
4462.6375Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
5462.6625Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
6462.6875Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
7462.7125Simplex (shared w/ FRS)
8467.5625FRS only — no GMRS TX
9467.5875FRS only — no GMRS TX
10467.6125FRS only — no GMRS TX
11467.6375FRS only — no GMRS TX
12467.6625FRS only — no GMRS TX
13467.6875FRS only — no GMRS TX
14467.7125FRS only — no GMRS TX
15462.5500Simplex or repeater output
16462.5750Simplex or repeater output
17462.6000Simplex or repeater output
18462.6250Simplex or repeater output
19462.6500Simplex or repeater output
20462.6750Simplex or repeater output
21462.7000Simplex or repeater output
22462.7250Simplex or repeater output
23467.5500Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 15)
24467.5750Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 16)
25467.6000Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 17)
26467.6250Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 18)
27467.6500Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 19)
28467.6750Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 20)
29467.7000Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 21)
30467.7250Repeater input (pairs w/ Ch 22)
Channels 1–7 and 15–22 allow simplex use; 15–22 also serve as repeater outputs, paired with inputs on channels 23–30 (+5 MHz). Channels 8–14 are reserved for FRS radios only — GMRS stations should not transmit there.
GMRS Licensing
FCC GMRS license: $35 via FCC ULS  ·  Valid 10 years  ·  Covers entire immediate family
No exam required  ·  Max power: 50W on repeater channels  ·  Leave receive as CSQ to hear linked machines
↗ Knoxville GMRS Repeaters — RepeaterBook
Citizens Band (11 meters, 26.965–27.405 MHz) is license-free, AM/SSB, simplex only — there are no CB "repeaters" under Part 95. Max output is 4W AM / 12W PEP SSB. Channel 9 is reserved by the FCC for emergency communications and traveler assistance; Channel 19 is the de facto trucker/highway calling channel in the US.
ChannelFrequency (MHz)Notes
126.965General use
226.975General use
326.985General use
427.005General use
527.015General use
627.025Popular "superbowl" DX/ragchew channel
727.035General use
827.055General use
927.065Emergency FCC-designated emergency / traveler assistance channel
1027.075Regional calling channel in some areas
1127.085Former national calling channel
1227.105General use
1327.115Common at campgrounds/marinas/RV parks
1427.125General use
1527.135General use
1627.155General use
1727.165North/south highway travel in some regions
1827.175General use
1927.185Trucker De facto US highway/trucker calling channel
2027.205General use
2127.215General use
2227.225General use
2327.255General use (shared historically with RC)
2427.235General use
2527.245General use
2627.265General use
2727.275General use
2827.285General use
2927.295General use
3027.305General use
3127.315General use
3227.325General use
3327.335General use
3427.345General use
3527.355General use
3627.365General use / popular SSB channel
3727.375General use
3827.385Popular SSB DX channel (38 LSB)
3927.395General use
4027.405Widely used secondary trucker channel
No license required in the US. AM is default mode on most radios; SSB (upper/lower) is common on channels 36–40 for extended range among enthusiasts, though it isn't tied to a specific legal channel range. Always monitor before transmitting.
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is license-free VHF, simplex only under Part 95 — repeater operation is not permitted on MURS. Max power is 2W with the radio's integral antenna (up to 60 ft above ground/structure). Popular for family, trail, and short-range coordination use alongside GMRS.
ChannelFrequency (MHz)BandwidthNotes
1151.82011.25 kHz (NFM)General use
2151.88011.25 kHz (NFM)General use
3151.94011.25 kHz (NFM)General use / common trail & jobsite channel
4154.57020 kHz (NFM)"Blue Dot" — wider bandwidth, longer legacy use
5154.60020 kHz (NFM)"Green Dot" — wider bandwidth, longer legacy use
No license required in the US. Digital modes, CTCSS/DCS, and repeaters are not authorized on MURS — simplex analog voice only. Channels 4–5 are shared with some business-band users, so expect occasional traffic.
Search and Rescue (SAR) communications are coordinated locally and vary by county/team — always confirm your team's or county EMA's assigned frequencies before relying on the list below. These are general national/regional SAR-adjacent reference frequencies, not a substitute for your local team's net.
Frequency (MHz)ModeUse
155.1600NFMNational SAR calling/coordination frequency (NIFOG) — used by many state/county SAR teams
155.1750NFMCommon law enforcement/SAR mutual aid tactical channel
121.500AMInternational aeronautical emergency/SAR frequency (ELT)
243.000AMMilitary aeronautical emergency/SAR frequency
156.800NFMMarine VHF Channel 16 — international distress, safety & calling
146.550NFMCommon amateur simplex frequency used for SAR/ARES field coordination (verify local plan)
Local Team Frequencies Needed
Add your county SAR team, K9 unit, or ARES/RACES tactical repeater and frequency here once confirmed — e.g. via your county EMA, Blount/Knox County SAR, or Smoky Mountain regional coordination nets.

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