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I just obtained a really old packet TNC and hooked it up to the computer, and it appears to work.

Is there a standard packet calling frequency on 2 meters? I would like to see if there is packet activity in my area, and if I can start some operation. Also, is there much packet activity on other bands like 1.25 m, 70 cm, 23 cm, 33 cm, etc.?

My QTH is Denver, CO, USA.

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  • $\begingroup$ Interesting answers. Gone are the days of 145.010 for just regular TAPR-2 style messaging. $\endgroup$
    – SDsolar
    Commented Apr 17, 2017 at 17:38

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You could tune to 144.390 FM on a 2m rig and see if you can pick up some APRS. This would require some software to decode packets (such as arpx for Linux). Just make sure you're not setting yourself up as a Digipeater until you find out what the network structure is in your area and whether there is a requirement at all.

National APRS frequencies: national APRS frequencies

You should also be able to see APRS activity on sites like aprs.fi for your area.

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http://aprs.fi/

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The Colorado Council of Amateur Radio Clubs (CCARC) 2 Meter Frequency Use Plan states that 144.900 - 145.100 MHZ should be used for Packet communications.

144.390 MHZ is also used Nationwide for APRS.

Colorado Council of Amateur Radio Clubs (CCARC) 2 Meter Frequency Use Plan - 144.000 through 148.000 MHz

Frequency (MHz) Usage

  • 144.000 - 144.050 CW/EME
  • 144.050 - 144.100 CW Weak Signal
  • 144.100 - 144.275 CW and SSB Weak Signal
  • 144.275 - 144.300 Propagation Beacons
  • 144.300 - 144.500 Satellite/OSCAR
  • 144.500 - 144.900 FM Repeater Inputs
  • 144.900 - 145.100 Weak Signal, FM Simplex, Digital/Packet
  • 145.100 - 145.500 FM Repeater Outputs
  • 145.500 - 145.800 Miscellaneous and Experimental Modes
  • 145.800 - 146.000 Satellite/OSCAR
  • 146.010 - 146.370 FM Repeater Inputs
  • 146.400 - 146.580 FM Voice Simplex
  • 146.610 - 147.390 FM Repeater Outputs
  • 147.420 - 147.570 FM Voice Simplex
  • 147.600 - 147.990 FM Repeater Inputs
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Have a look at the IARU Region 2 Band Plan. Most of the frequencies marked "all modes" or "DM" (digital mode) may be used for packet radio, although there does not seem to be a single designated packet calling frequency.

Normally a packet radio frequency is coordinated between operators in the area, since one frequency can be shared by several TNCs. In this case the frequency is standardized ad hoc and won't necessarily be the same everywhere.

You should be able to get a good picture of packet activity by listening on these digital-mode bands and seeing what is going on. (A spectrum analyzer or software receiver may help you identify activity visually and allow for faster tuning to frequencies of interest.)

I think most of the packet activity on 70cm and higher bands is point-to-point or "backbone" links between larger sites (similar to a trunked repeater system). This might be due to range issues (APRS uses 2m almost exclusively, if I recall correctly). I have not seen any packet activity in my region (southern Ontario) on any of the higher bands so I can't comment directly on whether packet is really being used on these bands, and if so for what purpose.

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145.010 was the "primary" packet frequency in the 90's

Lee N4TCW

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  • $\begingroup$ Welcome to Amateur Radio Stack Exchange. Please take the tour at ham.stackexchange.com/Tour to get the most out of this site. And you are correct about that frequency. I wouldn't say it was a "calling" frequency, but generally the first PBBS in an area would go there. $\endgroup$
    – SDsolar
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 4:29
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Visit my web page and click on the National Packet Directory. It will help you with determining what is in your area. http://www.ww2bsa.org

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    $\begingroup$ Welcome to Amateur Radio Stack Exchange. Your current answer is a link-only answer, and thus of limited value (risking removal). Can you include more information into the answer itself? $\endgroup$
    – Mast
    Commented Aug 25, 2020 at 7:24
  • $\begingroup$ @Mast Usually, that's the case. However, in a large directoy there's often too much to post in an answer. $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters
    Commented Aug 25, 2020 at 17:11
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    $\begingroup$ Chris, the packet directory never loads for me. Is something wrong with your website? $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters
    Commented Aug 25, 2020 at 17:13
  • $\begingroup$ You know what, Mike I tried it from my Android phone the other day and I couldn't get past the home page. Ugh! I'm on vacation right now. Are you successful from a desktop or laptop? Chris $\endgroup$
    – Chris Lance
    Commented Aug 26, 2020 at 20:27

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