The history behind 462.675 MHz and the travel tone

[mcallahan]

I came across the North Shore Emergency Association's website recently and found their club history page interesting:

 

nsea.com/nseainfo.htm

 

This link briefly discusses how the "travel tone" of 141.3 Hz and the national calling/emergency frequency of 462.675 MHz came to be. NSEA was one of the very first adopters of GMRS in the early 1970s, then the Class "A" Citizens Band. Here's a quick snippet from the link:

 

NSEA members were instrumental in bringing UHF technology to other public service groups in CB, especially R.E.A.C.T. (Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams). Beginning in 1976 key NSEA members spent extensive time meeting with REACT teams in more than a dozen-and-a-half different states, bringing a portable repeater, together with a number of mobile and portable units for field demonstrations...As a result, over 200 personal use repeater systems (all on the same frequency [462.675 MHz]) were set up throughout the United States. In recognition of this trend of explosive growth the Federal Communications Commission formally recognized our frequency [462.675 MHz] as the national emergency and traveler's assistance channel in the Part 95A Rules and Regulations.

 

Pretty cool slice of radio history!

[n4gix]

As a proud member of the NSEA I am very happy that you've pointed out this information.

[gortex2]

Was a member of REACT for many years in CNY until they basically ceased to exist. Late on we started to play with GMRS but our area was so large and no one wanted to commit. Sad to see the group fall apart. They were well respected unlike the ham clubs of the time. I know there are still some teams thru-out the US that also still use GMRS. Cool to see some old history like that.

[intermod]

Here is some additional background on this from www.popularwireless.com (developed by the late Doug Smith, KAF9830, a true GMRS activist who passed away in 2012). 

 

web.archive.org/web/20130320034445/http://www.popularwireless.com/gmrs1413.html

 

Greg

KAF1291 

[n4gix]

Bad link.

[Hans]

I reconstructed the link. Give this one a go...

 

http://web.archive.org/web/20130320034445/http://www.popularwireless.com/gmrs1413.html

[n4gix]

Thanks. Pity the webzine went defunct though.

[WRXT271]

I was a member of NSEA when I lived in the North Suburbs back in the 70's. I talked to the GMRS repeater owner a few months back. When I got my first license it was called Class "A" citezens band and I had a KAA call sign. 

[WRXT271]

On 7/29/2018 at 9:02 AM, n4gix said:

As a proud member of the NSEA I am very happy that you've pointed out this information.

When were you a member? I was around 71-72-73.

RJ