Frequency Clearance Guidelines

How to Apply for Frequency Clearance
In order to help those of you thinking of applying for Frequency Clearance here are a few guidelines and hints on filling in the application forms.
1. Is My Node Needed ? A fundamental question. A new node in an area already well served by nodes/BBS can cause more problems than it solves. Pay attention to what frequencies you propose to use, and why. Remember to consult the bandplans when choosing frequencies. Talk to the other node Sysops in your area to see what is needed. It is best to talk to them in the planning stage as your node will be of no use unless it is given a route into the main network.
2. Do I need Frequency Clearance ? This is always useful to ask - it can save a lot of work if the answer is 'no'. Currently, if you want to operate node on 6M, 2M, parts of 4M, or the top of 23cms (see BR68 for full details of frequencies and power restrictions), then you don't really need frequency clearance, but only if the node is at your main station address. A remote site can only be operated under a GB7nn call. If you're not applying for clearance remember to comply with the rules regarding unattended operation. See BR68 for details.
3. Where do I get a Frequency Clearance Form ? You can get the current version of "the guide" from the download section of this web site. If you need this as "hard copy", please ontact RSGB HQ on 01707 659015 and speak to the Amateur Radio Dapartment. Request a copy of the "DCC Guide to Datacomms Licensing in UK". It's free of charge. Please do not use old forms, or ones you have generated yourself on a wordprocessor.
4. Filling in the Form The various headings are listed, with a brief explanation where needed. Callsign: This is the GB7nn call you want for your node. Check the listings on this site for all but the most recent. Give more than one choice in case your first choice has already been allocated. Type of Station: This is either a Packet Node or a Packet Mailbox. Mailboxes only need Frequency Clearance if they have ports on bands on HF, 70cms or on bands above 23cms. Use: This is to check for conflicts of frequency usage compared to the UK bandplans. Location: The location of the station relative to a local town. Distance in kilometres, bearing in degrees relative to North. Postal Address: The postal address of the station - even if it's on top of a hill. Include the postcode if possible. National Grid Reference & Locator: Fairly obvious, we hope. Use a map to check the NGR, programs that covert locators to NGRs are fairly inaccurate. Heights: Give the height of the ground and the top of the antenna system in metres above sea level. We see a lot of applications where the antenna is buried underground, because the applicant has put the antenna height as the above ground level height. Primary and Secondary Frequencies to be used: At the specific request of RA, it is no longer possible for the DCC to apply for all the frequencies available in each sub-band. It is therefore necessary for you to supply just two freqencies per sub-band. Although it reduces the flexibility for future frequency changes, it does speed up the processing of applications. Once your node is cleared for the frequencies requested, it is possible to change by writing to RSGB HQ and checking that your node is cleared for the alternative frequency. Obviously, if you know a particular frequency is going to be unacceptable then don't include it on the form. Equipment Details: A brief description of the radio equipment to be used (e.g. W15FM Westminster, or Icom IC22A etc.) Antenna Details: Describe the type of antenna (Dipole, Colinear, Yagi etc.), gain in dB over a dipole (not isotropic), polarisation and direction of maximum radiation (if not an omni). Note:User access ports on packet nodes, like voice repeaters, should be vertically polarised. Node to node links should be horizontally polarised. TX Power Details: You need to give the TX power fed to the aerial and the ERP, both in dBW. Maximum ERP allowed is 14dBW(25W). Note: That all amounts are in dB, so that ERP=Power supplied to antenna + antenna gain in the direction of maximum radiation. Field Strength: If you are running enough power to exceed 10mW/sq.cm then you have problems. The answer to this question is invariably "NO". Site details: Include here any details of other transmitters on the site (PMR, voice station, TV, etc.) include the details of the operator, or state that the site is not shared. If you are not the Site Owner, you must include a letter (copy) giving you permission to use the site. Closedown Details: It is a prime requirement of RA that any Frequency-cleared station can be shut down within 30 minutes on request. To do this you need to give brief details of how the station may be shutdown, where it is and who can switch it back on again. You must avoid situations where a single failure (such as the person with the key is out) can prevent the station being closed down. Closedown List: Here you need a list of people who can be telephoned to go and turn the station off. To be acceptable each person must be within 30 minutes of the station site. You need to have three people 'available' at *ALL* times to cope with holidays, broken phones etc., in order to ensure that someone can be reached. This may be arranged by having more than three people on the list covering different times of the day. Give the home and work phone numbers (state if number is 24hr) and travel times from both location for each person on the list. Try to avoid having all the closedown operators on the same phone number at the same time (as may happen with members of a family or workmates). Also try to avoid giving mobile phone numbers, as these people maybe anywhere in the country. Note that you don't have to be licensed to turn the equipment OFF. Questionnaire: This is included to facilitate the coordination of your application, to see how it will fit in to the network, and make sure there will be no conflicts not only frequency-wise but also bandplan-wise. A block diagram showing how your application fits in to the network is very helpful. Please answer all questions as fully as possible. Failure to do so will only delay the processing of your application. Declaration: It is important that you read and sign the declaration and provide the documents asked for, i.e. permission to use the site, and the letters of support. Finally, if you omit any details from the form, you will delay the processing of your application. If you then fail to provide the missing information within a reasonable time, your application will be returned to you. If you have any doubt about how to fill in the forms please contact the Frequency Clearance Coordinator who will be able to answer your questions. 5. Where do I send my forms to? Once you have completed the forms, take a copy for your own records and then post your application to: RSGB AR Dept. Lambda House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JE

This page last updated: 31-Jan-01

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