Scott brings up an excellent point. The main goal of the coordination body is to avoid interference (overlap) from fixed frequency, fixed location assets. If you have a 'relay station' that is at a fixed location and on a fixed frequency, I believe it should be coordinated to offer protection and provide coordination with other fixed assets. From that perspective, we have chosen to coordinate the DV and DD 'repeater' and point to point links in the 1.2gHz band.
We have a similar dilemma with network access points (for lack of a better term) such as the RMS gateways. While much of the legacy packet network is coordinated, many chose not to bother after the popularity declined. Now with a boost of activity via Winlink, and for us in Oregon the distribution of State provided RMS gateways all over, the question comes up again regarding coordination of 'access points' into the network. IMHO, they are a fixed location, fixed frequency asset and as such, some 'body' should be coordinating and documenting the locations and frequencies. Fortunately in the Dstar realm, the systems don't connect to each other with RF links (generally), where with packet/RMS systems there is a distinct need to have systems on the same frequency within range of each other to allow connectivity. I'm not excited about taking on more work load for coordination, however, I'm not aware of another 'group' that represents the repeater owners in the state and has the mechanism (database, applications, process) to provide coordination and protection. If there hasn't been already, there no doubt will be a dispute between the legacy packet BBS guy who doesn't like the RMS gateway dropping in on 'his' frequency. 73 Daron N7HQR Oregon Region Relay Council, Inc. As a repeater owner I'm thinking I would like to have the minimal protection offered by the coordination process. The "repeaters" may be frequency agile but a 1.2G triplexer is not. Additionally, the local frequency coordinators are responsible for publishing my frequency to the ARRL and other potential repeater owners/users locally. After reading Part 97.205 and 97.3.a.39 it appears the FCC is only recognizes simultaneously broadcasted duplex signals as repeaters needing coordination. The Icom DD mode "repeater" fails both requirements. My questions are - 1) As a repeater owner, would you rather be coordinated? 2) Is there a reasonable alternative to coordination? 3) Should this be something we pursue with the FCC? Thanks, Scott N7SS ___ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
