Frequency
Coordination Form:
A
frequency coordination form must be filled out when
applying for coordination for a repeater, a repeater
link, auxiliary station, or special-purpose operation
such as an experimental mode or a beacon. While
not all such operations are subject to coordination,
it is strongly recommended that such
activities be known by the frequency coordinator to
avoid potential interference issues: It is only
through accurate and complete record keeping that
potential interference and regulatory issues that
problems may be prevented.
The
completed form should be printed, filled-out,
signed and mailed the
old-fashioned way (that is, not
E-mailed) to the frequency
coordinator.
Experience has shown that it is in the best interest of all parties involved if there exist paper forms with real signatures on them in the unlikely event that a dispute arises! |
The Utah VHF Society provides Frequency Coordination within the state of Utah and is also a member of the National Frequency Coordination Committee (NFCC) - an organization that provides a framework of standards and practices referenced by local frequency coordination entities. The frequency coordinator in Utah is an elected position, chosen at the meeting associated with the VHF Society Swap meet.
The purpose of a frequency coordination body is to facilitate reasonable usage of the VHF, UHF, and microwave-band amateur frequencies. The frequency coordinator acts as a clearinghouse for information pertaining to repeaters (their frequencies and locations) as well as radio links, interference issues, and other technical information.
It is the strong recommendation of the FCC (refer for part 97.201 for an example,) the ARRL, and many other organizations, that amateurs follow the recommendations of the frequency coordinators in their areas. Doing so allows for better utilization of our valuable spectrum, prevents problems before they arise, and provides a vehicle for the resolution of disputes and other problems should they arise. Recently, the FCC reaffirmed the importance of frequency coordination on our increasingly congested frequencies: Read about the FCC's statements - and several follow-ups - here.
If you wish to put up something like a
repeater, an autopatch, or do some other sort of operation on
our VHF, UHF, or Microwave bands that is "out of the ordinary"
(i.e. not the usual repeater ragchew or simplex operation) then
it is strongly suggested that you contact the
frequency coordinator. The frequency you choose may
already be in use as a link, a repeater input, or something else
and unconsidered operation on that frequency could adversely
impact operations in your area, or an adjacent area into which
your signals may overlap.
Please note: The
online repeater directory does not include link,
control, auxiliary, as well as other frequencies that are not
in the public database. If you are considering
using a frequency, please contact the frequency coordinator
prior to commencing operation. Just because a frequency
does not appear to be used in your area, that
doesn't mean that operation on that frequency in your area will
not cause interference!
For further reference, please refer
to the following pages:
Radio signals do not
respect state boundaries. Therefore, if you are
putting together a system that has coverage in an
adjacent state(s), or if you are in an
adjacent state and your system is going to cover at
least a portion of Utah then the coordinators in the
relevant areas of Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New
Mexico and/or Colorado need to be notified. When someone
requests coordination of a Utah repeater
that has the potential of causing interference with a
repeater in a bordering state, the Frequency
Coordinator will always check with the
coordinator(s) in the state(s) that may be
affected: The person doing the
coordination need not contact them as well
- in fact, keeping a "single point of contact" may
eliminate some confusion and possible coordination
delays If you are unsure as
to whether you need to "coordinate" with other
coordinators, contact your local frequency coordinator
for advice! |
Questions, updates, or comments pertaining to this web page may be directed to: uvhfs@utahvfs.org
Return to the Utah VHF Society home page.