| this page hosted by | the cAVe repeater group | Updated July 21, 1996 |
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The Federal Communications Commission previously adopted a new rule requiring as a matter of policy that all amateur licensees seek coordination of repeater frequencies when a coordinating body exists in a given area. In response to these rules, NARCC has developed a centralized coordination system which both satisfies the requirements of the Commission and provides the best possible service to the applicant amateur licensees. NARCC is recognized as the official coordinator in Northern California for all Amateur repeater sub-bands including 29 MHz and above. There is not, nor will there be any charge by the NARCC Frequency Coordinators or any member of the Frequency Coordinating Committee for their services. There is a charge set by the NARCC Board of Directors to offset the cost of providing telephone calls and the computerized data services. This fee is now set at $10.00.
1. Coordination requires cooperation. NARCC is a cooperative venture, whose success or failure is dependent on the cooperation of those for whom it is working. The repeater sub bands are a finite source of channels that are rapidly becoming depleted. They will support a large number of users in a harmonious manner. It is, however, a fragile entity and misuse can spoil it for everyone. NARCC needs input for everyone using this resource and operates most effectively when all users cooperate together in support of your coordinating council.
2. Due to congestion taking place on the vhf/uhf bands, NARCC coordination will take into consideration the following criteria:
3. Band plans for 29, 52, 144, 220, 440, 900 and 1200 MHz have been established and applicants for coordination must follow the band plan for the band in question and must work closely with the appropriate coordinator in frequency selection.
4. In light of recent guidelines set forth by the F.C.C. making local coordinating councils the amateur counterpart of the business radio coordinating committee, NABER. Coordination decisions by NARCC are binding on all applicants who then must follow the policy and procedures set forth herein.
5. A repeater frequency coordination is for a specific planned location, antenna height, and expected coverage area. It is not an assignment to the repeater operator for unspecified use. Any change that would effect coverage and sanction provisions will require a new coordination by NARCC. Directional antenna systems and sub-audible tone (CTCSS) may be required. A yearly update data sheet is required to be submitted to NARCC, whether or not any changes have been made, for data base confirmation and automatic renewal of Sanction.
6. Coordination of a repeater pair, control link or remote base is for a specific:
Any deviation from the above criteria will suspend the repeater sanction unless and until such system changes are approved by NARCC re-coordination.
7. Repeater frequency coordination will be made with as much, if not more, consideration given to the consequences of the transmissions of fixed and mobile stations on the input frequency as compared to the consequences of the output signal of the repeater itself. The majority of repeater coordination problems arise from the user stations keying up other repeaters in addition to the one intended. Use of a given repeater by users outside the intended coverage area is to be discouraged as much as possible.
8. Auxiliary frequency coordination will be made with as much, if not more, consideration given to the consequences of transmissions causing desence to other auxiliary and repeater stations operating in near proximity. Applications for coordination of auxiliary linking frequencies can only be considered when the link is planned to serve sanctioned stations. Application for auxiliary voting receiver links will require agreement of co-channel and, as necessary, adjacent channel repeater trustees. Directional antenna systems in the vertical or horizontal plane may be required.
Index | Top of Document | Other California Band Plans |
1. It is the policy of NARCC to require field tests in some instances to determine actual strength of signals before making a frequency recommendation. These include:
a. Co-channel systems where any direct, reflected or diffracted signal paths are anticipated.
b. All adjacent channel systems where direct paths exist, or where high signal levels are anticipated.
c. All channels which may cause interference in close proximity due to high signals.
2. Tests must be conducted at exact locations, using identical equipment, power, antennas, and heights as proposed in the application. This requirement may be waived only as to the extent mutually agreeable to the existing sanction holders and the applicant. The proposed system must be fully operational prior to the granting of a sanction. All test results will be evaluated using criteria consistent with commonly accepted technical standards.
3. After a frequency is agreed upon and operational standards have been met the coordinator will review the application. On the recommendation of the coordinator and finding no technical or logistical reason to the contrary, immediate approval to publish the coordination for review by the general membership should be granted.
1. Existing sanctioned repeaters must be protected to the fullest extent consistent with good system design.
2. No recommendation will be made which will result in harmful interference, unless full concurrence is received from the affected sanction holder. Harmful interference is defined as reception of a signal of such intensity that it captures the receiver or system away from the desired signal. This may be caused by a remote transmitter, by transmitter / receiver inter-modulation or by desensitization caused by wide-band noise or similar source.
3. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to make recommendations that will result in nuisance interference. This is defined as the reception of a signal of such intensity that it is heard in the undesired receiver, or that it degrades the existing system to some degree less than would seriously impair the operation of the existing repeater within the confines of their local coverage area. All recommendations will be made with full consideration of the amount and severity of such interference, the priority of the service, needs of both applicant and the existing repeater and the capability of the existing repeater to protect against such interference by coded squelch or other suitable means.
4. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to reduce interference and signal levels to the degree required by the adopted technical criteria. This requirement may be waived by written consent from the existing sanction holders.
5. Existing sanction holders will be expected to cooperate in conducting tests. They should be prepared to substantiate the following facts if they do not concur with the proposed recommendation:
a. Their system is designed to cover only their area of primary responsibility.
b. No more power or antenna height will be used than required for this purpose.
c. Compliance with F.C.C. part 97 is mandatory.
d. Antenna patterns cover only their intended service area.
e. Affected receivers are of modern design and quality construction with rejection capabilities sufficient to insure good system operation.
6. Field tests will be conducted as required. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to arrange for such tests, including necessary personnel and equipment, to the satisfaction of the existing sanction holder, and to return all results and signed concurrences to the Frequency Coordinator in writing.
7. The coordinator will make appropriate recommendations relative to power output, receiver sensitivity, number of receivers, directional or down-tilt antennas, CTCSS encode and / or decode, and other measures necessary to comply with the technical criteria.
8. Any changes whatsoever to the conditions of the sanction will automatically cause the sanction to go into suspense until the application can be re-coordinated. At that time the status of the sanction shall be restored.
9. If a repeater is continuously inoperative for more than 30 days for any reason the repeater owner and / or trustee is required to send written explanation of inactivity on that frequency immediately. If a repeater is inactive for a period of 60 days without prior written notice to NARCC that sanction is automatically placed in suspense. After 90 days without notification the sanction is automatically voided. In any case, if the repeater is inactive for a period of 6 months the sanction is automatically voided.
A sanction is a document issued to the parties responsible for the operation of a particular amateur repeater station which certifies that:
a. A NARCC frequency coordinator has researched the proposed operation of such repeater on a particular frequency under most operating conditions and has found that such operation will not cause harmful interference to any other repeater station.
b. The membership of NARCC has been notified as to the intention to issue a sanction to the repeater station, and that either no challenge has been received or that any such challenge has been successfully resolved.
The F.C.C. assigned primary responsibility to the unsanctioned repeater station in cases of interference until information is provided to the contrary.
A sanction does not assure any right to exclusive use of a frequency or assure that the sanction holder has any specific rights other than those guaranteed by FCC part 97.
All applicants must have a site and an operational repeater equipped with CTCSS prior to requesting a frequency. The procedures below are for your protection and must be followed:
1. Fill out an application and detailed coverage map and mail it to The NARCC P.O. Box with a check for $10.00 payable to NARCC Inc. Applications are available upon request from NARCC, P.O. Box 60531, Sunnyvale, Ca 94088-0531 or at general meetings. When making application, the applicant may either request a specific frequency or ask the Frequency Coordinator to select one. When possible, the applicant should do his or her own research. When a request is made it must include all parameters of desired usage, including specific spacing from other known frequencies relative to desense etc. and any other special requirements.
2. All applications and maps will be received by the communications manager and will be stamped with a numerically sequenced number which will verify the date received and assign a reference number to the application and the post card acknowledgment which will be sent via first class mail to the applicant by the communications manager. Correspondence concerning sanctioning will be acknowledged by the coordinator to assure receipt by the coordinator. All future communications with NARCC regarding this application should include this number.
3. A Photo copy of the application form (front of form) will be sent to the treasurer. A photocopy of the application (front & back) will be sent to the cognizant coordinator for coordination. All information will be entered into the NARCC data base by the communications manager in a timely fashion and the form filed by acknowledgment number .
4. If the applicant is suggesting a frequency for use he or she should be prepared to substantiate inactivity for a period of 90 days or more. The applicant must inform the coordinator of an intent to occupy the frequency prior to verifying inactivity so as to insure a "first come first served" claim in the event the frequency is available or to discuss possible problems. It must be recognized that there are only a limited number of radio channels available in each Amateur repeater band. This mandates sharing of all channels by several licensees. To assist in this effort it may be necessary for the Frequency Coordinator to recommend directional antennas, reduced power and the use of coded squelch. It is imperative that systems be designed to cover only the operating area of the group, and that signals be confined to the extent possible to this service area. F.C.C. Rules are specific in this regard.
If a coordinated frequency becomes inactive for a period of three (3) months, the sanction for that frequency may be re-assigned to a new repeater operator. The following procedure shall be followed by the Board to determine whether the frequency has been inactive for the designated period of time:
a. The frequency coordinator for the frequency in question, or a person or persons designated by the frequency coordinator, shall monitor the inactive repeater frequency at least four (4) days a month for a period of three (3) months to determine whether the repeater frequency is active or inactive. The monitoring hours on the four (4) days shall be from 6:00 a.m. until midnight. Two (2) of the monitoring days shall be weekdays and two (2) days shall be weekend days. There shall be at least four (4) days between each monitoring day. Monitoring may be done personally or by any device which will record any and all activity on the repeater frequency in question.
b. The frequency coordinator, or the person or persons designated to monitor the frequency, shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury which shall contain the following statements:
1. The dates and times that the repeater frequency was monitored, in accordance with the guidelines set forth above.
2. The general area or locality from which the repeater was monitored.
3. Statements that there was no activity on the repeater during the periods of time that the frequency was monitored.
4. Any other information relevant as to whether the frequency has been active or inactive.
c. When a frequency coordinator or designee submits a declaration of repeater inactivity containing the statements required by Paragraph 4 (b) to the Board of Directors, the Board will examine the accuracy and sufficiency of the submitted declaration and if the facts so warrant, make a finding that the repeater inactivity cited is sufficient to revoke the existing sanction. The Board shall then revoke the sanction and the vote of each member shall be recorded in the hearing minutes. The affected sanction holder shall be notified immediately by certified mail, restricted delivery (addressee only), return receipt requested to the last known street address of the affected sanction holder according to NARCC records, provided, however, that if the last known address of record is a U.S. Post Office Box, said notice shall be sent certified mail, non-restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
d. For a period of thirty (30) calendar days following the delivery or an unsuccessful attempted delivery of a notice of sanction revocation, the affected sanction holder may request the Board of Directors to rehear the sanction revocation proceedings. This request must be in writing and should include any evidence that raises a substantial issue about the revocation proceedings. A decision to rehear a sanction revocation shall require an affirmative vote of three (3) or more of the Board members who originally voted to revoke the sanction and shall be supported with a finding by the Board that the affected sanction holder has raised a substantial issue that warrants a rehearing by the Board. Should the Board decide to rehear the matter, a hearing date shall be set and notices to this effect shall be sent to all parties.
e. For any repeater system devoted entirely or exclusively to emergency communications, such repeater system may petition the Board for an exemption upon the basis that the repeater is only active or activated in the time of emergency. The Board, in its absolute discretion may grant such an exemption upon showing that such repeater is only used in time of emergency, disaster, or for training for such emergency or disaster.
5. In certain instances, the applicant may be requested to perform field tests with other licensees. Such tests will be the responsibility of the applicant. However, it is expected that all licensees will cooperate to the fullest extent in order to protect their systems and maintain the best possible spectrum usage. It is strongly suggested that applicants study the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations Part 97 before making application. The assistance of qualified technical persons may be required in completing the necessary forms.
6. A test pair is available for use by all applicants for evaluation of coverage. It's use is optional at the discretion of the coordinator.
7. In the event of the gift or sale of a coordinated repeater the required application for re-coordination must also include a signed copy of the deed of sale or gift including the terms of the sale or gift, conditions of contract executed, amount paid and all pertinent information. Transfer by sale does not automatically assure reissue of a sanction in the new owners name but is generally acceptable unless cause to the contrary can be shown. In any event, an approved transfer of ownership subjects the new owner and / or trustee to the sanction conditions imposed on the previous owner with respect to location and principal coverage area, frequency or frequencies, receiver location and sensitivity, Transmitter output power, antenna radiation pattern and gain, effective radiated power (ERP), use of voting or additional receivers, or elevation (AMSL). Any changes proposed to deviate from the above technical parameters must be addressed during the change in repeater ownership. Any subsequent changes will require a new application for re-coordination.
1. The applicants request for sanction will be published in the next scheduled newsletter after meeting previously stated criteria if there are no conflicts. Any objections to the granting of the sanction must be received in writing within 90 days of the publication date of the newsletter containing the publication of the sanction request at the NARCC P.O. box where it will be received, acknowledged by the communications manager and sent to the Frequency Coordinating Committee with a copy of the application.
2. All objections will be acted on by the Frequency Coordinating Committee at their next scheduled meeting to determine the validity of the objection and the effect on the coordination.
3. If no objections to the sanction are received the sanction will be automatically valid 90 days after the publication date of the newsletter containing the publication of the sanction request. The coordinator will send written confirmation in the form of a printed sanction to the applicant within a reasonable time thereafter but not exceeding 60 days.
1. Due to the congestion on the VHF bands and the implementation of (so called) splinter repeaters with 15 kHz splits, all repeaters sanctioned will be required to adhere to the "state of the art" technical standards.
2. Receiver RF and IF stages should be designed and adjusted to narrowband characteristics with sufficient selectivity to avoid interference from adjacent channels. Transmitter deviation peaks should be symmetrical and should not exceed peaks in excess of 4.5 kHz, provided, however, that transmitters operating between 146.000 MHz and 148.000 MHz with 15 kHz channel spacing MUST operate with symmetrical deviation peaks of 4.0 kHz or less.
3. Systems should be configured to be 1 to 1 system. This is defined as one transmitter with coverage sufficient to cover only the area of primary receiver coverage.
4. All commercial site owners now require that all systems installed have the proper filters, duplexers, isolators, feed lines and antennas to insure proper operation of the system and to minimize the generation of intermod products, harmonics, white noise, spurs and spikes to other systems. It is a condition of all NARCC sanctions that the repeater operator will adhere to the "standards of good engineering practices". All sanction holders must conform with special site owner requirements regarding installation. Valid complaints from commercial systems may cause sanction suspension.
5. Inferior, old and obsolete equipment or home brew equipment that creates interference to adjacent or on channel users will be referred to the NARCC technical committee for review of the sanction.
6. Applicants for new systems will forward with their application a block diagram of the proposed system showing the make, model and type of equipment and the feed line to be used. This will be reviewed by the frequency coordinator prior to issuance of a sanction. Receiver and transmitter band widths must also be specified if they differ from established standards.
7. In the case of some "made for amateur" type systems constructed from circuit boards it must be noted that many do not meet the minimum standards for mountain top use. The use of equipment that meets FCC commercial type acceptance standards is highly recommended. It is suggested that you contact your coordinator prior to purchase of the devices to see if they are commonly acceptable for mountain top usage.
8. Several NARCC members are in the commercial radio field and have available system monitors and spectrum analyzers. A system owner may request the services of these members when available by contacting the NARCC technical committee through your coordinator or by writing the NARCC P.O. Box.
Coded squelch is a method to reduce " nuisance interference." It consists of two basic types, tone and digital, with tone being the most commonly used. This is known by several manufacturers brand names: Private Line/PL, Channel Guard, Quiet Channel, etc It is often abbreviated as CTCSS -- continuous tone coded squelch system. CTCSS is a low frequency tone that is transmitted simultaneously with the carrier. Digital coded squelch is similar, except it is a series of coded impulses. In either instance, a repeater so equipped will not hear the transmissions of another station or mobile unless they have an identical tone or code pulse. While this offers no protection at all to on channel signals that are as strong or stronger than the desired signal, it prevents unwanted weaker signals from being heard and causing nuisance interference. NARCC recognizes the financial consideration to both existing and proposed licensees. However, the extreme shortage of usable Amateur Repeater frequencies have mandate these recommendations:
a. We strongly recommend the use of continuous tone coded or digital coded squelch on ALL repeaters.
b. We place particular emphasis on the use of this type of operation on all applications for high level sites.
c. We advise all applicants that the Frequency Coordinator cannot consider nuisance interference protection from future applicants or existing sanction holders unless their systems are so equipped.
d. Use of full time encoded and decoded CTCSS may be required.
e. All new coordinations will require the use of full time CTCSS.
While these conditions are most prevalent at "community sites," the Frequency Coordinating Committee will make every effort to recognize the potential in every recommendation. Each problem when recognized, known, or advised will be considered separately. All factors will be carefully evaluated. Decisions will be based on these factors, established criteria and recognition of the rights of existing sanction holders.
This phenomenon is very prevalent in Northern California. It tends to be seasonal, but is quite unpredictable. It is particularly evident between the coastal areas and the inland areas, and in all coastal and inland valleys. Temperature inversion layers may vary from a few hundred feet to several thousand feet in altitude. Paths in excess of 200 miles are sometimes evident. When known paths exist, applicants and sanction holders will be informed and every effort will be made to conduct tests at the proper times. Recommendations will reflect known paths and conditions. It must be recognized that this condition may sometimes cause both nuisance and harmful interference.
1. Frequency coordinators are responsible for the processing of frequency requests and management of their frequency band in accordance with the rules outlined in the policy and procedure manual. They report to the chairman of the coordination and technical committees and serve at the pleasure of the board.
2. Coordinators are to receive all applications for sanction from the communications manager and file them by frequency. All applications are to be acted upon in a reasonable period of time and reviewed to see if they will fit into the current spectrum as allocated. If no conflict is found the coordinator will submit the request for sanction to the newsletter publisher to be published in the next newsletter.
3. All actions or disputes that are not easily resolvable will be referred by the coordinator to the Frequency Coordinating Committee.
4. The coordinator is expected to be available to the general membership and applicants as is reasonable. Timely response to all communications is essential to the timely disposition of coordination responsibilities.
5. It is the responsibility of the coordinator to see that all new sanctions are granted on the basis of non-interference with already sanctioned systems in good standing.
1. The Technical Committee will be made up of qualified amateurs with technical or spectrum background who can contribute to the overall strength of the committee. Committee members are appointed by the chairman of the Frequency Coordinating and Technical Committees and serve at the pleasure of the board of directors.
2. The technical committee is to serve as a liaison to the coordinators to act in matters of conflict supplying information on correct or generally accepted spectrum or technical practices.
3. The committee will advise the coordinators or the Frequency Coordinating Committee with technical input on the best possible solution to problems of a technical or interference nature that may arise as the result of the coordination process.
4. The committee will be available to the coordinators and the Frequency Coordinating Committee to provide solutions to problems as defined in item 3 above.
| this page hosted by | the cAVe repeater group | Updated July 21, 1996 |
|
e-mail n6fri
|
|