Saturday, February 24, 2024, Alaska Emergency Frequency Test
On the last Saturday of each month, at 1000 local time, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Shared Resources (SHARES) Auxiliary Station NNAØLP hosts a test of the Alaska Emergency Frequency on 5167.5 kHz.
Note that 5167.5 kHz is NOT an amateur radio allocation! Amateur radio operation on this frequency is permitted only during emergencies, and for “serious, and extremely professional emergency drills and tests,” per FCC Report & Order 06-149A1. The monthly frequency tests are undertaken with these requirements in mind.
IMPORTANT: Part 97.401(d) authorizes ONLY amateur stations in Alaska, or at a location within 92.6 kilometers of Alaska where the FCC regulates the amateur service, to transmit on 5167.5 kHz.
Casual amateur radio operation on the 60-meter band should occur only on the five (5) previously established amateur radio frequency allocations, and these frequencies require a General Class (or higher) license to transmit.
For the 5167.5 kHz emergency frequency test:
– Use only upper sideband USB (J3E or R3E).
– Continuous Wave CW (A1A) and digital modes (F1B, J2B, etc.) are not authorized on this frequency.
– Maximum power is 150 watts PEP. There are no restrictions on types of antennas.
Each month, a summary report regarding this test is sent to the State of Alaska Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region X staff are copied in.
Thanks very much,
TJ Sheffield, KL7TS
Station Manager
Radio Science and Operations Center (RSOC)
