What is frequency coordination?
Basically, it is a form of voluntary participation in an organized program intended to keep interference between repeaters and their users to a minimum. To do this, repeater sponsors work with their local frequency coordinator (FC) who maintains a database of repeater frequencies in active use (as well as new repeaters which are under construction but may not yet be in operation). The FC recommends repeater operating frequencies (and perhaps other technical details) which will, hopefully, be compatible with other existing repeaters.
Who is a frequency coordinator?
An Amateur Radio frequency coordinator is, first, a volunteer. He may be a single individual or an organization of volunteers who are recognized by the Amateur Radio community they serve as their “coordinator”. He/they might participate in the program because they are interested in either the technical or the political aspects of coordination, but they all do it as a way of putting something back into Amateur Radio. These days, no coordinator worth his salt is in it for the ego! It’s too much work! But all coordinators do get some form of self-satisfaction out of doing the job, or they wouldn’t bother.
Who benefits from a frequency coordination?
In a nutshell, everyone does. Sponsors of existing coordinated repeaters are assured that the FC will attempt to protect their repeaters and their users from interference caused by new repeaters. Likewise, sponsors of proposed new machines will get knowledgeable assistance from the FC in selecting frequencies for their machines, so that they and their users can feel confident that their new operation will not adversely affect any existing repeaters, and they should experience little interference on their new machines.
How does frequency coordination work?
In order to make a recommendation, the FC needs some data about the proposed new repeater, such as its location, antenna height, and transmit power. These items all affect, to one degree or another, the repeater’s area of coverage. The FC will review the data on the new repeater, then in conjunction with the data in his data-base, he will try to find an optimum frequency pair. Most frequency coordinators will consult with the sponsors of nearby co-channel (same frequency) and adjacent-channel repeaters, and frequently with his adjacent-area counterparts, to make sure there are not any valid objections to the new repeater. This way, sponsors of existing repeaters are given the opportunity to look out for their own interests. Once a new coordination is issued, there is usually a limited construction period (usually six months or so) to get the new machine on the air. If it’s not on, or close to it, after this deadline, the coordination is subject to cancellation. This keeps the coordinator’s data-base from filling up with “paper” repeaters.
Is frequency coordination required?
No. Participation in a frequency coordination program is strictly voluntary. No Amateur Radio frequency coordinator has any “authority” to tell a repeater sponsor what he can, or cannot, do. However, the FCC has recognized that participation in a frequency coordination program by repeater sponsors is in the best interests of all Amateurs. Therefore, FCC rules have been adopted which state that the sponsor of an un-coordinated repeater bears the primary responsibility for curing any interference between his repeater and another repeater which is coordinated.
How can a frequency coordination be cancelled?
There are two primary reasons for cancellation of a coordination.
If a proposed new repeater never gets on the air or if an existing repeater goes off the air, the coordination may be subject to cancellation after a limited amount of time (not in operation after 6 months or more from date of coordination)
If any of the primary parameters which affect a repeater’s coverage area are changed by the sponsor, the coordination can be voided. For instance if it gets moved to a different location, of if the antenna height or transmitter power are changed, the changes would affect the coverage area, possibly creating new interference problems for the repeater’s neighbors. Some coordinators require sponsors to file periodic up-dates in order to retain their coordination. Others rely on their own monitoring efforts to keep abreast of activity.
Are other types of Amateur Radio stations also coordinated?
Yes. In addition to repeaters, the FC also coordinates other operations associated with repeaters, such as radio remote-control frequencies, links between a repeater’s remote receivers and the main site, etc. In addition, they also coordinate “remote-base” operations. They can also assist in your understanding of the many inter-related FCC rules that apply to repeaters, remote-bases, links, remote control, auto-patches, cross-band operation, and so forth.
What kind of problems do frequency coordinators have?
Nowadays there are probably 2 main problem areas.
First are problems created by the few un-coordinated machines which pop up from time to time.
Second, are problems caused by the proliferation of dual-band transceivers with built-in cross-band repeat capability. Unfortunately, a poor choice of frequencies can cause interference problems which may go totally unknown to the user of the dual-band radio.
In many areas frequency coordinators have set aside specific frequency pairs for temporary, portable, or emergency repeater operations. These frequencies should be considered first when setting up a temporary operation such as a parade or other public event, an emergency operation or a short-term experiment.
‘There is unfortunately, a small number of uninformed operators who abuse cross-band repeater capabilities causing unintentional, sometimes even malicious, interference. Other problems are caused when the FC is not apprised of changes to existing repeaters, changes of sponsor’s mailing address, etc.
What other activities do frequency coordinators conduct?
Many coordinators are involved in “band-planning” or “spectrum management” efforts, often in association with adjacent-area coordinators, other special-interest groups, or the ARRL’s Spectrum Management Committee, Digital Advisory Committee, and Membership Services Committee. Different special-interest groups include the packet community, the DX Cluster community, weak-signal/SSB/CW interests, FM simplex users, ATV’ers, etc. All of these other interest groups need to be considered when “band-plans” are being developed or revised, so frequency coordinators need to keep them in mind as they conduct their spectrum management effort. Band-planning/spectrum management cannot be done in a vacuum! Good familiarity with the FCC Rules is helpful here, since repeater, remote-control, link and remote-base operation is prohibited in some parts of the Amateur HF, VHF and UHF bands.
Many coordinators maintain a list of technical experts who are available to assist repeater sponsors in resolving technical problems. They also maintain a list of Amateurs with the capability and expertise in finding interference sources, both from spurious emissions, as well as malicious interference. Also many coordinators maintain, or have access to, a fairly extensive library of technical information on equipment, system designs, and maintenance. These resources are all available to the sponsors of all coordinated repeaters in the area.
Who is our local coordinator?
Coordinators for your specific area can be looked up HERE!