InterceptRadio.com Forums

Does anyone have current information on Ben Franklin Transit in the Tri-City area? Many years ago they were on 453.575.

Thank you!
Kevin

I would look on the trunk system there for a talk group. They probably migrated with the rest of the county.

Station KNFF-490 on 453.35 R, 453.575 R and 453.75 R. I guess they must operate an "all electric" fleet -- using some sort of a kite and key system. LOL Sorry Ben. I had too.

Ahh. That's it...KNFF-490. I remember hearing that callsign announced by the dispatcher. Totally forgot what it was.

What is a "kite and key" system?

I remember just before 453.575 went silent, I would frequently hear a series of quick "chirps" between voice traffic. These chirps would sometimes activate even without a keyed transmission. Didn't sound like the usual repeater ID, but something else. Similar to a "roger beep." Got to the point where you would have to lock-out the channel from scanning as it was so annoying to monitor.

Kevin

Radio Makers keep going broke -- so they re-invent the wheel and radio every so often, trying to make a few extra bucks. For bus systems -- they invented radios that can monitor the complete bus operations from oil pressure to tire pressure and then transmit that useless information to the bus dispatch center -- so they can tell Homeland Security --- . If the bus driver can't see a red light on the dash -- he should not be driving a bus. The "Bells and Whistles" are beeps , buzz and burps that you sometimes hear. Have you tryed listening to the other UHF channels ??? Since it's the Ben Franklin Transit System --- Kite --- Key -- Electric. LOL

Ok...now I get it. Boy do I feel like a moron!

I did a search on the FCC database for KNFF490's licensed frequencies and noticed a few more. Have not punched them into the scanner yet. I don't live in the Tri-City area at present, but my parents do and I always try to keep their scanner current. Last time we had 453.575 programmed (a couple years ago), never heard anything on it.

Thank you for the info!

Kevin

Some technical data for BFT's system:http://www.bizrad.com/bft/


Enjoy.

-Mike