SERA
Frequency
Coordination
Information		 How to Coordinate a Repeater


The proposed AA5SG repeater for Mississippi Steve Grantham, AA5SG; Chris Hatcher, KC8AFH, & John Abraham, KE4QOX
This was a SERA meeting first!  This repeater was completely tuned, tweaked, rewired, & tested on low power during the Winter 2006 meeting.  John Abraham, KE4QOX, and Chris Hatcher, KC8AFH, of West Virginia worked on the proposed 224.480 repeater belonging to Steve Grantham, AA5SG. Steve Grantham, AA5SG, SERA Mississippi Director; Chris Hatcher, KC8AFH, and John Abraham, KE4QOX; before the work gets started on the 224.480 repeater

It's Easy!!
Just follow these guidelines

As stated in the SERA Coordination Policies & Guidelines (Policy 14) the SERA recognizes two fundamental motivations for the establishment of an amateur repeater.

  1. As a service to other amateurs living or traveling in the service area.
  2. As an exercise in individual achievement on the part of the owner(s) or trustee(s).
So, you just acquired a repeater and wish to have a frequency pair coordinated for its' proper and lawful operation?  Do you feel you meet the requirements of the SERA CP&G, and want to know about the process?  Frequency coordination involves several steps, all outlined in detail below.  Briefly they are: (1) Contact your frequency coordinator, (2) Obtain and read all coordination related documents carefully, (3) Research the requested frequencies (yes, that is your responsibility) and (4) Complete all questions or blanks on the application, and (5) Submit your application, containing your original inked signature, to your local coordinator.  

Due to the fact that the process of coordination requires you to apply for two frequency pairs beforehand (a first and a second choice) you will not know what your coordinated pair will be, until you receive your frequency assignment document. This process takes 4 to 6 weeks if we don't encounter any problems with your application. The SERA utilizes a nationally recognized RF propagation program and a regional database mileage calculation program to research your application.  We constantly strive to reduce the time involved in acting on your application by using modern technology.  We strongly suggest that you don't spend money on repeater crystals or duplexers until you receive your frequency assignment. 

Step #1: - Contact your coordinator

Your first step is to contact your repeater coordinator. His mailing address, telephone numbers, and e-mail address are listed on this web site under Districts. Request the SERA Frequency Coordination Package or download the package from this web site. The frequency coordination package contains the following items:

  1. SERA Form 03, Application for Frequency Coordination.
  2. The most recent edition of the Coordination Policy and Guidelines (CP&G), dated January 2006.
  3. The most recent edition of the SERA Frequency Utilization Plans (FUP) which is an important part of the CP&G.
  4. Other information as provided by your local coordinator.
If you speak to your coordinator before beginning this coordination process, their input may save you from possible frustrations.  Remember, the SERA staff is here to assist you.

Step #2: - Read all documents carefully.

When you receive the coordination package from your coordinator (or from this site), read the CP&G and review the Frequency Utilization Plans very carefully. Make sure you understand them and are aware of the important parts which affect your application and future coordination. 

Step #3: - Research two frequency pairs.

Using the applicable Frequency Utilization Plan and a copy of the SERA repeater indexes, which can be found in the latest edition of the SERA Repeater Journal, determine your primary (1st choice) and an alternate (2nd choice) frequency pair. You may want to refresh your memory by reading the SERA CP&G POLICY 5 thru 7 which covers information directly related to frequencies and coordination parameters. If you need repeater information for a non-SERA district, then consult the ARRL Repeater Directory or a similar publication. Remember, you must coordinate not only a repeater frequency pair, but according to POLICY 2 of the SERA Coordination Policy and Guidelines (CP&G), you must also coordinate link, control, and auxiliary station frequencies as necessary.

Step #4: - Completing the application

The SERA staff will only accept the Application for Frequency Coordination which is marked, "SERA Form 03".  Each blank on the SERA Form 03 must be filled in. If data is not required, or is not applicable, for a space, please fill in that space with the letters "N/A."  PLEASE NOTE that in addition to your application, we require a published map or clear photocopy showing the location of the repeater.  USGS 7 1/2 minute topographical maps are preferred for this purpose, as it is necessary for your local coordinators to double check your repeater site's longitude and latitude. If you have access to a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or know someone who does, please feel free to use readings from that device to determine your coordinates. However, a map is still required to accompany your application.

Good Luck!

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 Alex Hedrick, N8FWL.

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