1) The common calling and distress maritime VHF frequency: 156.8 MHz (channel 16). 2) The frequency used by the US Coast Guard to broadcast safety related messages to all vessels: 157.1 MHz (channel 22a). 3) The aviation distress frequencies: 121.5 and 243.0 MHz. 121.5 MHz is also used for low power homing beacon transmissions by EPIRBs and ELT distress beacons, and occasional general calling by pilots. 

The receiver is located on a sailboat in Pillar Point Harbor. The antenna is mounted at the masthead 40 feet above terrain. Maximum surface VHF reception range is normally 20 miles to the north, west, and south and covers the fishing grounds off Pillar Point Harbor, west to seaward, the southern traffic lane approaches to the San Francisco Harbor, and aircraft at altitude. Most San Francisco Bay radio traffic is blocked by intervening terrain. The location is well suited for receiving offshore transmissions because radio traffic and interference from the San Francisco Bay area are blocked by the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The receiver and associated computer are provided with 96 hours of battery backup power and Internet connectivity via a Starlink station. 

Feed courtesy of Amateur Radio Station N8QH. Comments and questions should be sent to wdf2783@gmail.com.