SATERN, short for the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, is one of the most important volunteer emergency communications organizations in amateur radio. During hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and large-scale disasters, SATERN operators help relay health-and-welfare traffic, coordinate relief efforts, and provide backup communications when traditional systems fail.
Many radio hobbyists first discover SATERN while searching for emergency frequencies to monitor during major weather events or disaster response operations. While the organization primarily operates on amateur radio bands, understanding how SATERN works also offers insight into the larger world of emergency communications and disaster preparedness.
In this guide, I’ll explain the primary SATERN frequencies, how the network operates during emergencies, what equipment is commonly used, and how listeners and licensed operators can monitor or participate responsibly.
Salvation Army SATERN Frequencies
Frequency (MHz) | Band | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
3.873 | 80m | Gulf Coast emergency traffic |
7.265 | 40m | SATERN primary net |
14.265 | 20m | National/international traffic |
14.300 | 20m | Maritime Mobile Net (related traffic) |
What are SATERN frequencies?
SATERN frequencies are amateur radio frequencies used by the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network during disasters. These frequencies allow volunteer operators to pass emergency messages, coordinate relief efforts, and handle health-and-welfare traffic.
What do SATERN operators do?
SATERN operators provide emergency communication support during disasters. They handle:
- Health-and-welfare messages
- Coordination between relief agencies
- Logistics and situational updates
They act as a backup when normal communication systems fail.
Is SATERN always active?
No. SATERN frequencies are typically quiet during normal conditions. They become active during major disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or large-scale emergencies when communication support is needed.
When can I actually hear something?
- Usually inactive during normal conditions
- Activated during:
- Hurricanes
- Wildfires
- Major disasters
- Most activity:
- Day: 20m (14 MHz)
- Night: 40m / 80m (7 MHz / 3.8 MHz)
Salvation Army workers with emergency comms and message handling training help the Salvation Army coordinate its humanitarian aid efforts during and post-disaster.
What equipment do I need to listen to SATERN?
To monitor SATERN frequencies, you’ll need:
- An HF-capable radio or SDR
- An antenna (wire antenna or dipole works well)
- The ability to receive SSB (single sideband) signals
Even a basic SDR with a suitable antenna can receive SATERN traffic.
What band is SATERN on?
SATERN primarily operates on HF amateur radio bands, including:
- 80 meters (around 3.8 MHz) – nighttime use
- 40 meters (around 7.2–7.3 MHz) – day and night
- 20 meters (around 14.2–14.3 MHz) – daytime and long-distance
When is the best time to listen to SATERN?
- Daytime: 14 MHz (20m band)
- Evening/Night: 7 MHz (40m) and 3.8 MHz (80m)
Activity increases significantly during active disaster events.
Can I listen to SATERN without a license?
Yes. You can legally listen to SATERN frequencies without an amateur radio license in most countries, including Canada and the United States. However, transmitting on these frequencies requires a valid ham radio license.
Do SATERN frequencies change?
Yes. While there are common calling frequencies, SATERN nets may shift depending on:
- Band conditions
- Interference
- Regional needs
Operators often announce frequency changes on-air.
Is SATERN the same as ARES or RACES?
No. SATERN, ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), and RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) are separate organizations. However, they often work together during large-scale emergencies and may share similar frequency rang
SATERN operators are trained to provide reliable and efficient communications, including handling emergency messages, providing logistics support, and serving as a link to the outside world for disaster victims. The organization was founded in 1985 and has since grown to include thousands of volunteers across the United States.
Here are some related Ham Net & Government frequencies to monitor-
- 03808.0 – Caribbean weather information
- 03845.0 – Gulf Coast
- 03862.5 – Mississippi Area Traffic
- 03865.0 – West Virginia Emergency
- 03872.5 – Hurricane information
- 03873.0 – West and Central Gulf ARES/Louisiana ARES, Mississippi ARES
- 03910.0 – Central Texas Emergency/Mississippi ARES/Louisiana Traffic
- 03923.0 – Mississippi ARES, North Carolina ARES
- 03925.0 – Central Gulf Coast Hurricane, Louisiana Emergencies
- 03927.0 – North Carolina ARES
- 03935.0 – Central Gulf Coast Hurricane, Louisiana ARES, Texas ARES, Mississippi ARES, Alabama Emergencies
- 03940.0 – Southern Florida Emergency
- 03944.0 – West Gulf Emergency
- 03950.0 – Hurricane Watch/Northern Florida Emergency
- 03955.0 – South Texas Emergency
- 03960.0 – North East Coast Hurricane
- 03965.0 – Alabama Emergency
- 03975.0 – Georgia ARES/Texas RACES
- 03993.5 – Gulf Coast health and welfare/South Carolina ARES/South Carolina RACES
- 03995.0 – Gulf Coast Weather
- 07225.0 – Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
- 072332.0 – North Carolina ARES
- 07235.0 – Louisiana Emergency/Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
- 07240.0 – American Red Cross/US Gulf Coast Disaster/Texas Emergency
- 07242.0 – Southern Florida ARES
- 07243.0 – Alabama Emergency/South Carolina Emergency
- 07247.5 – Northern Florida ARES
- 07248.0 – Texas RACES
- 07250.0 – Texas Emergency
- 07254.0 – Northern Florida Emergency
- 07260.0 – Gulf Coast West Hurricane
- 07264.0 – Gulf Coast health and welfare
- 07265.0 – Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio (SATERN)
- 07273.0 – Texas ARES
- 07275.0 – Georgia ARES
- 07280.0 – Louisiana Emergency
- 07285.0 – West Gulf ARES (day)/Louisiana ARES (day)/Mississippi ARES/Texas ARES
- 07290.0 – Central Gulf Coast Hurricane, Gulf Coast Weather/Louisiana ARES/Texas ARES/Mississippi ARES
- 14222.0 – Health and Welfare
- 14245.0 – Health and Welfare
- 14265.0 – SATERN
- 14268.0 – Amateur Radio Readiness Group
- 14303.0 – International Assistance and Traffic
- 14316.0 – Health and Welfare
- 14320.0 – Health and Welfare
- 14325.0 – Hurricane Watch
- 21310.0 – Health and Welfare (Spanish)
- 28450.0 – Health and Welfare (Spanish)
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