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Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee aka ETCC! Noel Matthews – G8GTZ

Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee aka ETCC! Noel Matthews – G8GTZ. The ETCC – what do we do?. The Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee (ETCC) exists to deal with all matters concerning amateur radio repeaters and data communications on behalf of the RSGB.

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Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee aka ETCC! Noel Matthews – G8GTZ

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  1. Emerging TechnologyCo-ordination Committeeaka ETCC!Noel Matthews – G8GTZ

  2. The ETCC – what do we do? • The Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee (ETCC) exists to deal with all matters concerning amateur radio repeaters and data communications on behalf of the RSGB. • The Committee assists Ofcom in the processing of applications for Notices of Variation (NoVs) for repeaters, internet gateways and mailboxes and is also responsible for the coordination of all requests for site and frequency clearances prior to submission to Ofcom. • To help develop and enhance the UK Amateur Radio Repeater and Data Communications networks

  3. History of UK repeater admin • 1972 - GB3PI, Cambridge • 1975 - RWG formed • 1983 - Full committee of RSGB • 1997 - Renamed RMC • 2007 – Merged with DCC and renamed ETCC • 2013 – 400+ repeaters licensed in UK

  4. Colin, GM8LBC Who are we? Bob, G3VVT • Plus • NI: John, GI4BWM (Chairman) • TV Specialist: Noel, G8GTZ • Data Modes: Steve, G8SFR Jon, G4TSN Mark, GW7KDU Dave, G7UZN Andrew, G8DOR

  5. Key Objectives of ETCC • Ensure the network provides best possible coverage • Ensure the best use of spectrum & compliance with current specs • Production of specifications for repeaters • To encourage good practice by repeater groups • To encourage knowledge sharing and co-operation between groups • Liaise with repeater groups and other amateur bodies • To ensure the NoV approval process provides the best possible turnaround All About Repeaters GI4BWM

  6. The repeater network • Over 400 repeaters on: • 10 metres • 6 metres (26) • 2 metres (138) • 70 cm (214) • 23 cm (37) • 13 cm (12) • 9 cm (3) • 3 cm (7)

  7. The repeaters • All run and financed by local groups across the UK • ETCC manages the network not individual repeaters • Analogue voice repeaters (320) • 28MHz – 10 GHz • DV nodes and gateways (70) • Television repeaters (42) • 1.3GHz – 10GHz • Packet mailboxes and nodes, regenerative nodes, • Digital data channels to special one-off applications

  8. Digital Voice • D-STAR network continues to grow • Due to home brew solutions and new radio models released by Icom (including support for 10 m and 6 m bands) • UK has now joined the DMR-MARC network • Couple of repeaters Licensed with more in the queue •  Yaesu has released a new DV mode for ham radio • Dual mode repeaters were announced last month •  IRLP is now fully supported on Raspberry Pi, using much less power and space at repeater sites.

  9. The NoV process • Repeaters do not have their own license • They are licensed as a variation to the keeper’s license • Called a Notice of Variation (NoV) • The keeper is responsible to ensure the repeater complies with the NoV • NoVs are applied for via ETCC • ETCC vets the application • Agreed practice & technical competant • Coverage compatible with existing units • The ETCC forwards the application to Ofcom

  10. The Ofcom relationship • ETCC has a good working relationship with Ofcom • Note we only deal with repeater licensing • We vet and submit applications in to Ofcom • ETCC is able to produce full Ofcom-branded NoV documentation • Reduces clearance times for proposals not requiring primary user referral. • We are secondary user on all bands between 432MHz and 47GHz • All NoV applications are passed to PU by Ofcom for approval • This can take a very long time • Sometimes no formal process exists between Ofcom and the PU • Very difficult for ETCC to chase / get answers • We are relying on grace and favours

  11. NoV applications • All NoV applications are submitted on-line via ukrepeaters web site • New Vetting Management System enables ETCC members to carry out on-line vetting of proposals • Once approved they are forwarded electronically to Ofcom

  12. ukrepeaters web site • ukrepeaters web site is the official ETCC web site • It is the source of information, lists and maps for the UK repeater systems • Provided as a volunteer effort at no cost to the RSGB • Web site gets between 9,000 and 10,000 unique visitors a month. • Further integration of lists and vetting procedures from former DCC areas of work including simplex gateways and packet systems is ongoing.

  13. Repeater lists Application form Coverage maps Vetting progress Contact web form

  14. Check repeater status table shown here is for illustrative purposes only

  15. Here to help email • Repeater users • Repeater groups • New applicants mailbox@ukrepeater.net web form www.ukrepeater.net

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