“Conventional” refers to frequencies that are not a part of a trunked radio system. Simplex frequencies and non-trunked repeaters are considered conventional.
“Mutual Aid Channel” is a term often used to describe a number of convention frequencies, set aside by the FCC, and programmed in public safety radios across the nation for the purpose of interoperability. If you need to talk to and work with someone that normally uses a different radio system, and you have no other talkgroups or channels in common, a national mutual aid channel is one place to make it happen.
Important: National mutual aid channels and the “BC MA” Mutual Aid talkgroups on our system are NOT the same thing. This is one reason it is of the utmost importance to use a channel’s proper name. “8 TAC 92 D” and “Mutual Aid 12” are proper, specific names; don’t cause confusion with vague or slang terminology.
800 MHz
Butler County radios include the five NPSPAC 800MHz channels for national mutual aid. We use the rebanded frequencies and the rebanded naming convention (i.e. 8 CALL 90). The pre-rebanded channels are also included in all radio templates.
Learn more about our 800MHz conventional channels.
700 MHz
Butler County radios include two zones of 700MHz channels set aside by the FCC for national mutual aid. These channels are digital and for direct use only.
Learn more about our 700MHz conventional channels.
See Also:
Repeated vs. Direct / Simplex – What is the difference?
Radio Operation – How do I know if I’m using direct / simplex?