SERA 2007 Repeater Datasheet
Definition of Terms & Reference Page

Remember to contact your coordinator if you need to change any items contained descriptions below that are underlined in bold. 

Repeater Call:  The call sign used to identify the repeater as required by FCC Part 97.  This may, or may not, be the same call sign as the repeater trustee.  Changing of the repeater identification does require notice; but, does not require re-coordination, unless ownership of the repeater itself has changed.
Input Frequency:  The frequency of the repeater's receiver.  (the frequency that the mobile user transmits.)

Output Frequency:  The frequency of the repeater's transmitter.  (the frequency that the mobile user receives.) 

Listed City:  The city that appears in the Repeater Journal listings.  Used as a geographic reference for those amateurs not familiar with hills, mountains, or small communities where a repeater may be actually located.

Repeater Codes:  Codes used to identify characteristics and features of a repeater:

                                    O = open repeater, usually carrier squelch activated
                                    C = closed repeater with limited access
                                    T = CTCSS (PL) needed to access the repeater
                                    RB = Remote Base (recommended for HF only --- VHF/UHF remote
                                              base operation is contrary to SERA CP&G
                                    A = open autopatch
                                    CA = closed autopatch
                                    E = emergency power (battery backup or generator)
                                    L = Linked with another repeater or system

Repeater Tone:  The CTCSS tone used to access the repeater, specified in Hertz (Hz).  The CTCSS frequencies are normally assigned by the SERA Frequency Coordinator.

Print Access Tone:  The Yes/No field defines whether you, the trustee or owner, want the CTCSS tone published in the SERA Journal (which subsequently shows up in the ARRL Repeater Directory) which will allow other amateurs to access your repeater.

Power (ERP):  Your repeater's power in effective radiated power.  This is not the transmitter's power in watts; but, a calculated value based on the transmitter power, duplexer loss, transmission line loss, and antenna gain.

Height above Average Terrain:  The center of your antenna above the height of the average terrain (flat land or mountains).  This is also a calculated value based on the radiation center of your antenna, above the 360 degree, 10 mile radius of the surrounding geographic region.

Ground above Mean Sea Level:  The elevation (in feet) of the ground, above sea level, at the repeater site.

Antenna Height Above Ground:  Physical height of the antenna (center) above the ground. 


Just a short note about the three height factors listed above and how they are used and calculated.  If, and when, a repeater owner decides to put a repeater at a specific location, the latitude and longitude will define the ground height above mean sea level.  He then puts the repeater antenna at a specific height on a tower or antenna support structure (antenna center height above ground).  Adding these two measurements together, we arrive at the height of the antenna above sea level.  The height of the average terrain is then calculated by taking elevation measurements every 45 degrees of azimuth at distances from 2 to10 miles from the repeater site.  In the past, this had to be calculated by hand and by using many U.S.G.S. topographic maps.  Today, the SERA and some other coordinating agencies have software to make these calculations instantly and accurately.  If you need assistance in figuring your HAAT calculation, the SERA staff will assist you.  With an HAAT calculation and your transmitter's power in ERP, your frequency coordinator can also estimnate the approximate geographical coverage of your repeater.


Antenna Pattern:  Most antenna use is omni-directional using the code of O.  In cases where a directional antenna is used, use the Code of D, followed by all directions of the radiation pattern.  Choose from N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW, and N.

Repeater Location:  The physical description or location where your repeater is located.  Some examples are: 123 Main Street, Anywhere, NC, or Lick Knob, at the Fire Tower, 1.9 miles south of Kingston, WV, etc.

County:  The county in which the repeater is located.

Repeater Transmit Latitude:  The latitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds format and specify if you are using USGS NAD 27 or WGS 84/NAD83 data.

Repeater Transmit Longitude:  The latitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds format and specify if you are using USGS NAD 27 or WGS 84/NAD83 data.

Repeater Receiver Latitude:  The latitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds format and specify if you are using USGS NAD 27 or WGS 84/NAD83 data

Repeater Receiver Longitude:  The latitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds format and specify if you are using USGS NAD 27 or WGS 84/NAD83 data.

ARRL Grid Locator:  The ARRL (maidenhead format) six character grid square.  This is calculated using the latitude and longitude of the repeater transmitter.  The SERA uses the ARRL accepted standard program entitled "Bearing and Distance".  There are similar programs available on the Internet, or your SERA coordinator can assist with this calculation.

Link Frequency (ies):  An associated auxiliary station (using the FCC definition) using 222 MHz or above, for linking between your repeater and others.

Control Frequency (ies):  An associated auxiliary station (using the FCC definition) using 222 MHz or above, for controlling your repeater from another location.

Date on Air:  The date the repeater went on the air for normal communication.

Repeater Sponsor:  Group or individual that sponsors the repeater.

Repeater Trustee:  Name, call sign, full mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address for the person that is the holder of the coordination, OR  acts on behalf of a sponsoring club.

Paperwork Contact:  Normally the repeater trustee, but always is the person designated to interact and communicate with the SERA staff.  If this person is not the trustee, then again we need the name, call sign, full mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address of the designated contact.

NOTE: Help SERA to prevent confusion as to who is the designated "holder" of the assigned frequencies.  On too many occasions, we have had instances where sponsors and trustees end up in a battle over who "holds" the assigned frequency.  We will not serve as referee to those instances; but, can provide you information from the original application.  SERA will only recognize changes from the "holder" of record or their designate.
Remember to contact your coordinator if you need to change any items contained descriptions above that are underlined in bold.  To change any of these parameters normally requires re-coordination, per SERA Coordination Policy & Guidelines, Policy 9.  If you have any questions, contact your local coordinator.

If you need to determine your local coordinator's name and address please refer to www.sera.org/district.html.

Updated 11/09/05



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