They are a changin
A letter from the President of MetroCor to all amateurs.
As we are now well into the third millennium, it’s about time that Amateur Radio began to keep pace.
40 years ago, it was simple to take a (well) used base station commercial radio and whip it into a repeater. Add any free site and you were ready to go. A genuine repeater operator!
Since then, technology has evolved a hundred fold. Better frequency stability, narrower bandwidths, better selectivity and the curse of all, closer channel spacings. Being a collector of old 2-way radio literature, the progression is clear. The first models needed 250khz. channel spacings! That’s right, 4 channels per megahertz. In many instances, even that was hard to manage. Today, the current standard for part 90 equipment is 12.5 khz. migratable to 6.25 khz spacings! Now, today, we are faced with shrinking allotments, diminished amateur activity and more demand for repeater allotments. As you all know, our bands are a mess of inherited channel spacings, high in, low in, and self appointed input and outputs. Many have simply taken “standard” spacings and flipped them for their own purposes, causing even more confusion and loss of usable channels.
Then came the 1980's, a proliferation of “HAM” repeaters are dropped onto the market. Mostly made of low grade components, with little or NO adjacent channel selectivity, and even worse frequency stability.
For years, our game of catch-up was driven with the idea that all needed to be made happy. Using 30 or 40 year old radios with home made, non-correlated channel elements that drifted high and low as the temperature changed was accepted. If you needed more power output, you simply cut the low pass filter out of the transmitter. So what if the signal spurred all over the band?
Turn the AFC on in your receiver, and even if the repeater drifts 10 or 20 khz, so what! The AFC will drag in the stations.
Enough about the “ Good old times”
As president and coordinator ofMetroCor, I have been involved in an ongoing dialogue with other amateur coordination bodies to start to bring an end to the insanity. Most of you are aware of the new modulation schemes out there. P25, DSTAR, MOTOTRBO, and more. I know of at least one Ham that is actively exploring and using Frequency hopping technology across the 440 band.
Our common goals are basically as follows, with some proposed guidelines.
Refarm 2 meters to 15 khz uniformly spaced channels and eventually 440mhz. to 25 khz analog channels. This alone adds dozens of new frequency pairs.
Interstitial channels: Allowing for advanced modulation schemes brings in nearly 100 new frequency pairs.
On 440, eliminate the hi/low debacle with a uniform scheme. Several parts of the country have already done this, with great success. SERA and California are well in the forefront here.
Antiquated standards for adjacent channel spacings to be dropped and new real-world standards enacted. Terrain, power, adjacent channel selectivity of equipment involved, modulation width and more are key here, not a cookie cutter list of arbitrary “rules”.
On a historical note:
In the early 1990's we were using 12.5 khz spaced adjacent channels all combined from the same site for radio communications on 900 MHZ. In several locations throughout the country our company ran as many as 40 discrete channels, each separated by only 12.5 khz, with NO adjacent channel problems.. This scheme worked with great success. Granted, some of these more elaborate systems cost us in excess of one million dollars to develop and field. I am NOT trying to turn amateur radio into a cash cow. Many new generation stations are now on the market at a cost in the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range. Dstar, will even give away their repeaters in select instances, as long as you promise to populate the system in a certain period of time. Used P25 digital systems (phase I) are now just about being thrown out they are so inexpensive. The only problem with the early P25 systems has no relationship to amateur radio. It involves the security of the encoding when high level encryption is critical. These repeaters cost well into the mid 5 figure range and low 6 figure range just a few years ago, now, they are a ham’s delight.
How do you start?
A few simple things first. If your repeater is 30 , 40, or more years old think about upgrading. You don’t drive a 1970's car everyday, do you?
If your current equipment has home installed crystals in the channel elements, upgrade to factory correlated ones. There is NO way you can maintain .00025 % channel drift with home done elements.
Eliminate AFC if your radio has it. A simple jumper will usually do this at no cost to you and about 5 minuted time. For better receiver performance, companies like International Crystal offer inexpensive narrow banding kits for popular brand receivers such as Motorola and GE repeaters. These kits usually cost only about $50.00
As an easily managed step, lower the deviation of your station to 3.5 khz from the current 4.5 khz. You will be surprised at how much cleaner your receiver will sound, and how many more low strength signals you will be able to hear on simplex channels and distant repeater channels.
If you do not have an isolator on your stations transmitter, get one! Any future complaints about interference may not be taken seriously if your station is no so equipped. Most complaints about interference are partly if not wholly caused by the station being “interfered” with...an isolator. These are also called circulators by some manufacturers. They are a kind of “one way valve” like you use on a water sprinkler system, only for RF. It lets your signal get out, but prevents other signals from coming into your transmitter and mixing together.
Preamps : Receiver preamplifiers are fine if your station encounters considerable losses in the antenna system. They are best placed at the receive antenna itself for best gain and lowest noise figures. Many fine quality commercial (used) units are available and are still used commercially every day. However, the small black-box cheapo amps offered in magazines are simple CRAP. Yes, they do amplify the input signal a bit, but, they also amplify the noise floor, and just about every other signal for several megahertz around. You are causing your own problems, not curing them. Read the ads, promises of 10 to 30db. increases in signal strength are simply lies. Do you really want 30db. More noise in your receiver? I have yet to see a single repeater setup that did not work better with the preamp. removed. Every preamp., including the commercial ones, correct installation should have at least one cavity before and one after the preamp. to lessen the broadband noise problems they cause.
Become involved, local groups are springing up everywhere with plans to go digital, or at least explore the options. MetroCor needs such volunteers that are truly interested in developing narrow band communications and setting new guidelines and criteria for the roll-out of these technologies. Keep abreast of the changing times, reactionary thinking and the idea that you have a sacred cow that is inviolate is a dream. With a bit of barbeque sauce, your sacred cow quickly becomes someone else’s hamburger. Remember 220 mhz? The original concept of Amateur radio was to foster experimentation, and reap the benefits of those experiments. If we do not keep up with changing times, 440 will be the next to go. Law Enforcement already has its eyes set straight ahead with 440 as the goal.
Lance Alfieri
President & Coordinator
MetroCor is looking for a few good hams!
Are you the engineer type do you own all types of testing equipment related to RF and are looking for some place to use all that great stuff? Than MetroCor needs you! From time to time site surveys must be done on repeater systems and we are looking for people who are willing to give of their time and expertise to perform these surveys in their own home area. If you believe you can fill our needs than please email Steve K2CX at k2cx@metrocor.net with all your information.
Do you like to listen? We are also looking for hams to listen to sets of frequencies from your own home! Now how easy is that! If you are interested in joining the MetroCor listening team than send an email to Lance N2HBA at n2hba@metrocor.net with all your information.
If you need to update your information for the database please contact Larry WA2CNV at wa2cnv@metrocor.net
If you are requesting a new coordination than please follow the instructions found elsewhere on the site.
If you wish to inquire on the status of a pending coordination please contact Lance N2HBA at n2hba@metrocor.net
If you have a question of a technical matter please contact Steve K2CX at k2cx@metrocor.net
If you have a question about your dues and when they are due please contact Rich K2WR at k2wr@metrocor.net
Questions concerning listings on the web site should go to Larry WA2CNV he will verify any errors with the posted information and then forward to Mario N2PVP to make the changes.
Any other questions regarding the web page should be sent to Mario N2PVP at n2pvp@metrocor.net
Mario Sellitti N2PVP
President MetroCor Inc.
First I want to thank Larry for his years of service as president of MetroCor. Thankfully he will still be an important part of the organization.
As per articles of succession, I Mario Sellitti / N2PVP accept the position as President of MetroCor and name Lance C Alfieri N2HBA Vice President.
Mario Sellitti / N2PVP
President MetroCor Inc.
Since our December 25th update, there have been further significant developments within MetroCor:
� Effective January 1st 2007, Larry Lutzak/WA2CNV has submitted his resignation as President of MetroCor, Inc.
(See his resignation letter.)
� Mario Sellitti/N2PVP has been named as MetroCor�s new President, per articles of succession.
This will be my final update as President. After five years as President, it�s time to move on. I am confident that MetroCor will continue successfully with the new leadership and volunteer base that is in place and will continue to grow under Mario Sellitti/N2PVP.
Finally and on behalf of the MetroCor Board of Directors, Band Coordinators and volunteer staff of MetroCor, I again extend to you and your families a joyous Holiday season and the hopes and prayers for a Happier, Healthier and Prosperous New Year in 2007.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
Former President � MetroCor
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
Former President � MetroCor
December 31, 2006
To: The MetroCor Board of Directors
From: Lawrence M. Lutzak/WA2CNV
President � MetroCor, Inc.
It is with a sense of accomplishment as well as a bit of sadness that I submit my resignation as President of MetroCor, Inc., effective January 1st, 2007. This resignation is due to the demands of my family life coming first. These demands have increased to a point where they leave me no choice but to cease handling the day-to-day issues of our now-strengthened volunteer base within MetroCor. Besides, I think it�s time that I moved on.
I have been associated from the very moment [in December of 1999] of the conception and eventual formation of a coordinating body that became the Metropolitan Coordination Association, Incorporated in July of 2000. After serving as MetroCor�s first Secretary, I assumed the office of President on January 17th, 2002.
Per our Constitution and By-laws, I now leave the office of President, confident that my successor Mario Sellitti/N2PVP and my fellow Board members will continue to provide the vital function of radio frequency spectrum coordination, for the benefit of the Amateur Radio community that we continue to serve.
I will continue to assist in the management and refinement of the MetroCor database in 2007. Once that I feel that this task has been completed, I will seek a successor to that function and cease all activity. This is how it must be.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have lent of their time and effort to make MetroCor a successful coordinating body, recognized by the ARRL, our neighboring coordinating bodies, the FCC and, finally, certified by the NFCC.
I wish nothing but the absolute, continuing success of MetroCor to all of you, especially Mario/N2PVP.
�73 and Happy New Year,
Larry/WA2CNV
Now former President � MetroCor, Inc.
Since our last update, there have been a number of significant developments within and by MetroCor:
MetroCor�s Board of Directors held its fourth meeting on Sunday, December 17th, 2006.
� Mario Sellitti/N2PVP has been named as MetroCor�s very first Vice President. This comes as a result of the Vice Presidential referendum that was circulated via USPS mail in September � October of this year. We had forty-seven (47) �yes� votes and zero (0) �no� votes, so the referendum passed unanimously. Thank you to those members who voted. Mario has been with MetroCor from its actual formation to date. He will remain in his appointed positions as both Webmaster and Volunteer Committee chair.
� Constitutional Referendum � As stated earlier, this referendum passed and our constitution has been updated accordingly. As previously stated in our last update, the By-Laws� sections regarding �Secretary�, �Honorary Officers� and �Directors� will remain unchanged.
� Membership Renewals � We very much thank those of you who have been so kind as to continue to support MetroCor via responding with your renewal of your membership and payment of the annual fee. A great response that we hope continues into 2007!
� MetroCor 33CM (900MHz) Band Plan: LanceAlfieri/N2HBA. Lance distributed the MetroCor �interim� band plan for 902-927MHz. to our neighboring coordination bodies for review and comment. While we are gathering their replies, MetroCor has already begun coordination of this band. We are confident that Lance�s work will be combined with our neighbors� plans so that amateurs in the Northeast region will benefit from a �seamless� plan overall.
� MetroCor Coordination � Waiting Lists Removed; New Coordination begins � Our Chief Coordinator Lance Alfieri/N2HBA, upon approval of the Board, has removed all of the Waiting Lists, as he has begun with his team active placement of those on those lists with channel pairs where available. For those who have already been on the air, they are also included in the process. We ask just a little more patience. Some of you have already received your assigned pairs for testing. As stated previously, if MetroCor does run out of assignable frequency pairs, the remaining candidates will be so notified. At that point, those candidates that we were unable to find viable frequency pairs will need to find their own frequency pairs. MetroCor is out of the �Waiting List� business.
� Cross - Coordination Matters (�NOPCs�) Issues: MetroCor continues to work closely with its neighboring coordination bodies: ARCC, UNYREPCO, CSMA, as well as NESMC, VIRCC, WNYSORC and T-MARK. NOPCs have continued to be exchanged.
� NFCC Certification bestowed on MetroCor! � After seven years, MetroCor has finally been given certification by the Board of the NFCC. The Membership vote is due this month. MetroCor must achieve a �two-thirds� majority vote of the current membership in order to be accepted. I and MetroCor�s Board are extremely confident that this will occur.
� Issuance of Coordination documents - We�ve received three new applications at MetroCor during the same period. Dave/WA2YYL continues to issue on an as needed basis upon notification from Our Chief Coordinator, once the NOPC is approved by the neighboring coordination bodies so affected.
� RFI Complaints: The Board reviewed and commented on a number of outstanding complaints, both within and outside the MetroCor area.
� ARRL 2007-2008 Repeater Directory � We have been working on this listing project, which will be finished and submitted by the January 12th 2007 ARRL deadline. Remember that even if your system has now obtained coordination and didn�t get into the RD, the RD is NOT the coordination record for your area. The sole repository for any coordination information is the MetroCor website.
We thank all who continue to support the volunteers of MetroCor.
Finally and on behalf of the MetroCor Board of Directors, Band Coordinators and volunteer staff of MetroCor, May I extend to you and your families a joyous Holiday season and the hopes and prayers for a Happier, Healthier and Prosperous New Year in 2007.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
Since our last update, many of you have waited patiently for news on many items and issues. Here�s a summary of all the activity that�s occurred since the last update, and it�s quite a bit:
MetroCor�s Board of Directors held its third meeting of this year on Sunday, September 17th, 2006. The full Board was in attendance:
Larry Lutzak/WA2CNV; Richard Gelber/K2WR; David Krumholz/WA2YYL; Mario Sellitti/N2PVP; Stan Coffield/N2NKI; Mark Herson/N2MH; Robert Myers/K2TV; Lance Alfieri/N2HBA; Steve Barreres/ KC2X.
Constitutional Referendum
A motion was unanimously approved by the BoD to present a referendum to the MetroCor membership, adding the office of Vice President. Per the bylaws, an amendment to Article VI of MetroCor�s Constitution must be voted by the Membership for such amendment to pass. Accordingly, a constitutional referendum was sent via USPS to all MetroCor members on record as of September 17th, 2006. A membership dues notice for 2007, payable by January 1, 2007 was also included with the mailing, to avoid additional postage costs.
Please review the referendum! The response to the referendum must be received in the PO Box not later than October 31, 2006.
Subject to passage of the Constitutional referendum just mentioned, the Board also unanimously approved changes to the Bylaws as affected, which will be necessary to maintain continuity of officer succession.
The By-Laws� sections regarding �Secretary�, �Honorary Officers� and �Directors� will remain unchanged.
MetroCor Band Plan Issues:
33CM (900MHz) Review � Lance Alfieri/N2HBA. Lance distributed the proposed band plan for 902MHz.
Lance motioned that this band plan be adopted. Bob Myers/ K2TV seconded. After much review and discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The plan will be posted at November 1st, 2006 if not sooner. We will also be taking down the entire waiting list and listings for 33CM and replacing it with what is actually �on-the-air� per Lance, which will be temporarily listed as �Pending�. We will then reach out to those stations that are listed to ask them to coordinate. If they chose not to, they will be removed from the list.
2M & 70CM Database review
Letters were sent on August 25th 2006 to all on the 70Cm �Waiting List�. Letters to those on the waiting list for 2 meters had also been sent out in August. The 2M �due date� was the same as 70Cm.
A number of responses have been received. The September 30th 2006 deadline stated in the letter has now passed. Those who have responded are being reviewed by the technical Committee and our 70CM band Coordinator for any missing information, which the Committee will request. Once that is done, frequency assignments will be issued before year end. The same initiative will also be taken for 2M as well.
This will also mark the end of the waiting list for both 2M & 70CM, as well as 33CM. A future notice will be posted on this web site when the waiting list will be taken down permanently. It is expected that we will attempt to place everyone.
However if we do run out of assignable frequency pairs, the remaining candidates will be so notified. At that point, those candidates that we were unable to find viable frequency pairs will need to find their own frequency pairs. In other words, MetroCor will finally be out of the �Waiting List� business.
Cross - Coordination Matters (�NOPCs�) Issues:
Metrocor continues to work closely with its neighboring coordination bodies: ARCC, UNYREPCO, CSMA, as well as NESMC, VIRCC, WNYSORC and T-MARK. NOPCs have continued to be exchanged.
Issuance of Coordination documents
We�ve received three new applications at MetroCor during the same period.
Dave/WA2YYL continues to issue on an as needed basis upon notification from the Board.
RFI Complaints:
The Board reviewed and commented on a number of outstanding complaints, both within and outside the MetroCor area.
NFCC - NFCC Membership/Certification � Status
All is quiet on MetroCor�s candidacy. Larry/WA2CNV will be checking with NFCC President Doug Sharp/K2AD on progress. It is still felt that this will resolve itself before year-end.
We thank all who continue to support the volunteers of MetroCor.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
Once again, we�ve had a long pause in updates due to the summer vacations, and the usual interruptions. However here�s the activity that�s occurred since the last update:
NOPCs have continued to be exchanged. We are attempting to match our 2M waiting list candidates with new channel pair assignments. We look to have this done by the first week in September. Several more coordination certificates have been issued.
We�ve received three new applications at MetroCor during the same period.
MetroCor continues to clear up the back log of approved as well as �to be approved� coordination moves. MetroCor has now resolved one of the older RFI complaints and received two more new complaints.
On the NFCC front, MetroCor�s candidacy for both membership as well as certification in 2006 is still going forward, albeit a bit slower than we expected. However we feel that this will resolve itself before year-end.
On the 33CM Band Plan issue, MetroCor is currently drafting its own, interim BP to address its users� concerns until a future �northeast coordinating bodies� BP materializes. Therefore and FOR 33CM ONLY, MetroCor will be marking ALL 33CM applicants who have yet to be coordinated as �Pending�. The 33CM Interim BP should be completed by the end of the month for review by the MetroCor Board as well as the 33CM BC. If agreed by the Board, it will be implemented and all who have applied for 33CM, absent any RFI and/or FCC complaints outstanding, will be submitted for NOPCs in September. After (30) days from NOPC submission and if no cross-coordination objections by neighboring coordinating bodies, �temporary� coordination for six(6) months will be granted to those who need to set up and test. Also at that time, those who are already established and have no issues will be granted permanent coordination.
As for 70CM, we have already identified a number of potential channel pairs that will be assigned to �waiting list� candidates, with the first to start in September as well.
At our Board of Directors in July, two more volunteers were elected to the Board of Directors: Steve Barreres/K2CX and Lance Alfieri/N2HBA. Steve and Lance have already served MetroCor as valuable contributors and now strengthen our Board even further. Congratulations Steve and Lance!
We thank all who continue to support the volunteers of MetroCor.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
We realize that it�s been awhile since we�ve had updates on the web. Our apologies and we�ll now resume, on a bi-weekly basis.
Here�s a summary of what�s occurred from May 2006 to date:
NOPCs have continued to be exchanged unabated among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast. Several coordination certificates have been issued and this will continue.
We�ve received eight new applications at MetroCor during the same period.
MetroCor continues to clear up the back log of approved as well as to be approved coordination moves.
MetroCor has received several new RFI complaints as we continue to resolve the several RFI complaints already filed. One of the previous ones has been resolved without incident.
On the NFCC front, Rich Gelber/K2WR, who was present at the Dayton Hamvention and represented MetroCor�s interests at the NFCC forum, reported that Doug Sharp/K2AD, NFCC President, made positive mention that MetroCor�s candidacy for both membership as well as certification in 2006 will be going forward.
We thank all who continue to support the volunteers of MetroCor.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
The past two weeks saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast. Coordination certificates that have been delayed have now been issued. More should be coming out this week.
No new applications arrived at MetroCor in the past two weeks.
MetroCor will be following up with several repeater moves that should have been accomplished, so that we may continue to clear up the back log of approved as well as to be approved coordination moves.
MetroCor also continues to pursue several RFI complaints for resolution.
On the NFCC front, the organization is finally making available a �new membership� form for �non-charter� member candidate coordination bodies, such as MetroCor and CSMA. This form will be filled out as soon as it is issued. NFCC assures MetroCor that our organization will achieve both membership as well as certification in 2006.
More developments to come.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast, with several NOPC approvals for MetroCor systems.
No new applications arrived at MetroCor.
Due to both the beginning of Passover as well as Easter, most activity was suspended in observance. Normal activity will resume in the coming week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast, with several NOPC approvals for MetroCor systems. Several new applications arrived along with MetroCor membership renewals.
We are �on target� to finish the 10M & 6M assignments by the 4.15.2006 date. Work continues on the completion of the 2M, 1.25M and 70CM Waiting Lists.
On Coordination Updates � remember that a system which has been submitted for coordination must keep MetroCor updated if any of the parameters change at any time. Even after successful coordination of your system, notification to MetroCor of such changes occurring is a must. We thank those systems that have done so in the past week.
We are still reviewing the new version of the Coordinators� Toolkit software recently issued by Dave Karr/KA9FUR.
We also await an update from NFCC on MetroCor membership and certification.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast, with several NOPC approvals for MetroCor systems. Several new applications arrived along with MetroCor membership renewals.
Work continues on the completion of the 2M, 1.25M and 70CM Waiting Lists. The 33Cm (902MHz) band will continue to be in �waiting list� status until the Northeast reaches agreement on a new Band Plan. Once again, review and adoption should be completed by July 2006.
On Coordination Updates � remember that a system which has been submitted for coordination must keep MetroCor updated if any of the parameters change at any time. Even after successful coordination of your system, notification to MetroCor of such changes occurring is a must. We thank those systems that have done so in the past week.
We are still reviewing the new version of the Coordinators� Toolkit software recently issued by Dave Karr/KA9FUR.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast. Activity has started to pick up, now that the �spring� weather has arrived � well at least the season, anyway. Several NOPC approvals were reached on RFI problem systems, which will enable MetroCor to resolve some long-standing issues.
This week, the Band Coordinators will receive their first updated database segments, in order to further speed up resolution of the waiting list placement process. Work continues on the completion of the 2M, 1.25M and 70CM Waiting Lists. The 33Cm (902MHz) band will continue to be in �waiting list� status until the Northeast reaches agreement on a new Band Plan. Once again, review and adoption should be completed by July 2006.
On Coordination Updates � remember that a system which has been submitted for coordination must keep MetroCor updated if any of the parameters change at any time. Even after successful coordination of your system, notification to MetroCor of such changes occurring is a must.
We are still reviewing the new version of the Coordinators� Toolkit software recently issued by Dave Karr/KA9FUR.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs continue to be exchanged among the repeater coordinators in the Northeast. There was a lull in MetroCor responses, which was expected due to the spate of activity that had occurred non-stop since Late December 2005. However the activity will pick up this week.
We continue to work on the completion of the 2M List, as well as work on the huge amount of names on the 70CM Waiting List, and we�re preparing to line-up 1.25M (222MHz). Letters will begin to go out this week.
We�ve had several inquiries in the past week from concerned individuals who are wondering if the removal of the �ATP� frequencies on various bands means that their position on the various waiting lists is removed. The answer: no. We have removed them because we are now actively working the waiting lists. There is no longer a need to post those frequency pairs as ATPs if they�re assigned. Concerned stations will be notified in the mail of the next step.
On Coordination Updates � remember that a system which has been submitted for coordination must keep MetroCor updated if any of the parameters change at any time. Even after successful coordination of your system, notification to MetroCor of such changes occurring is a must.
We are still reviewing the new version of the Coordinators� Toolkit software recently issued by Dave Karr/KA9FUR.
On the NFCC front, we have heard more positive action for MetroCor as well as our neighboring coordinator, CSMA.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
Several more MetroCor NOPC responses were received during this past week. For several systems, it was good news on coordination. We have begun working on the 70CM Waiting List. Letters will begin to go out this week. It will be a slow process due to the numerous requests. However we intend to clear this list by June 30th.
On Coordination Updates � remember that a system which has been submitted for coordination must keep MetroCor updated if any of the parameters change at any time. Even after successful coordination of your system, notification to MetroCor of such changes occurring is a must.
With the new version of the Coordinators� Toolkit software just issued by Dave Karr/KA9FUR, we hope to take advantage of this update. Again, hopefully that will take place over the next several weekends.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
Several more MetroCor NOPC responses were received during this past week. For several systems, it was good news on coordination. In particular, one coordination results in resolving several other issues at once. Notification letters to those who have pending business with MetroCor for 2M NOPCs are finally going out! Waiting List letters and both for 70Cm again had to be postponed due to �real� work issues.
On Coordination Updates � Once a system has been submitted for coordination, if any of the parameters change at any time, even after successful coordination of your system, notification of such changes are a must.
Metrocor has received some positive feedback on its proposed idea of introducing the concept of more �low profile� systems. We�re still working with CSMA on both a 2M coordination issue for one of our system problems, as well as RFI situations with both CSMA as well as ARCC. The ARCC solution is very near at hand.
MetroCor still needs to re-start consultations with Dave Karr/KA9FUR, author of the Coordinators� Toolkit software. Hopefully that will take place over the next several weekends. �Real� work (the work that puts food on my family�s table) is a necessary priority.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week saw the following developments.
NOPCs have picked up again, with several more MetroCor NOPC responses toward the end of this past week. Notification letters to those who have pending business with MetroCor for 2M NOPCs, Waiting List letters and both for 70Cm again had to be postponed due to �real� work issues. However the preparation was completed, so the physical mailing and e-mailing will start by Wednesday and finish by Sunday, March 5th.
On Coordination Updates � Once a system has been submitted for coordination, if any of the parameters change at any time, even after successful coordination of your system, notification of such changes are a must. We received an update for pending system WX2KEN this week - thanks Ken.
The idea of introducing the concept more �low profile� systems is still being discussed. We�re still working with CSMA on both a 2M coordination issue for one of our system problems, as well as RFI situations with both CSMA as well as ARCC.
MetroCor will be working with Dave Karr/KA9FUR, author of the Coordinators� Toolkit software, to make coordination a less arduous chore.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week was relatively quiet.
I again received several more MetroCor NOPC responses toward the end of this past week. Due to last weekend�s blizzard and family illness (nothing serious but part of the winter situation this time of year), the notification to those who have pending business with MetroCor for 2M NOPCs, Waiting List letters and both for 70Cm again had to be postponed to this coming week. However we�re working on them as you read this post and you will finally see the start up this week. However we�re putting extra time aside this week to make up for the time lost last week.
One idea that we�re attempting to try to introduce is the concept of more �low profile� systems. Additionally, we�re working with one 2M system and CSMA to see if we can get an exception to the geographic separation rule due to such a situation.
The concept embraces this idea: if there already exists a coordinated system where another one might �fit� but is within the geographic limit, the system applying for such coordination must be willing to agree, in writing, to unconditionally protect the other system(s) that are co-channel (or adjacent channel) to the existing system, be it within MetroCor�s area or outside. It is also contingent on the existing coordinated system agreeing to accept such written agreement taking place.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week found several items of interest.
Concerning NFCC certification, I was personally contacted by the President of the NFCC this week, who advised that the entire NFCC Board has been revamped with new members that will make the NFCC Board a �working� board. What this means for MetroCor, as well as CSMA (our neighboring coordinating body in CT), is that MetroCor will finally be able to realize certification in 2006.
I received several more MetroCor NOPC responses toward the end of this past week. Due to some family and work issues, the promised updates to both 2M as well as 70CM was put off to this week. Notification to those who have pending business with MetroCor for 2M NOPCs, Waiting List letters and both for 70Cm will receive notifications this week. The weekend blizzard also took away time. However we�re putting extra time aside this week to make up for the time lost last week.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week was a bit quieter.
As a follow-up to the MetroCor BoD meeting last Sunday (January 29th), the Board voted to amend the current Constitution to add the office of Vice President, and have this office become the successor to the President, should the President not be able to fulfill his/her term of office. The current order of succession calls for the Treasurer, then Secretary to take office as Acting President.
I had never been comfortable with the current configuration. The previous President, Stephen Anderman/K2SMA. He had pushed for this structure and at the time, those in formation of the new coordination body agreed in order to keep the process moving. Now, if approved by the membership in an upcoming vote mailing, this amendment will resolve the matter and better protect MetroCor in the event that I or any future holder of the office of the President will have more �backup� and keep the organization moving.
Speaking of keeping things moving, I received a number of MetroCor NOPC responses toward the end of this past week. There will be updates to both 2M as well as 70CM, as soon as we contact the affected systems. Several of you will have to amend your systems due to potential and/or actual RFI complaints or situations. Others are OK. I had a brief bout with a viral bug Friday, so I�m several days behind on processing. We�ll catch up.
MetroCor was made aware of a possible problem with our website, thanks to �MetroCor_Watch�. While I saw the post, I checked with our webmaster. We saw nothing wrong and saw several others� comments that they had also seen nothing wrong. We agree that it may have been a server �glitch� that resolved itself, so we didn�t feel a need to respond.
On the other issue raised concerning our coverage area, we had to amend our coverage area parameters long ago, and that is apparent throughout our website. The fact that we neglected to change our wording in the original By-Laws document does not deem MetroCor coordinators for any of the former TSARC counties ceded over to UNYREPCO, as well as ARCC.
A majority of the amateur licensees in each county who are trustees voted to approve such transfers � i.e. MetroCor did not do this on its own � we have no control over such decisions. MetroCor�s BoD did vote to amend the wording in 2003 and sent notice to its members. We apologize for any confusion that this may have created.
The idea of a �summit� meeting of MetroCor, UNYREPCO, NESMC, ARCC & CSMA was also further discussed via e-mails this past week. The Dayton Hamfest in May is shaping up to be the �place� for the meeting. We�ll be taking a tally of our Board to see who will be going. I now plan to attend.
Our concerns for systems that have lost coordination due to system changes have resulted in several systems now filing for their modifications. Please file with MetroCor if you have previously received MetroCor coordination but you�ve changed ANYTHING. Thanks!
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week included an historic moment today for MetroCor � the first Board meeting that included two of our neighboring coordination counsels � UNYREPCO and NESMC. (Both ARCC and CSMA sent their regrets as they could not attend.)
The Board reluctantly accepted the resignation of Tom Marrin/W2RN from the Board, due to family and work issues, and was recognized for his volunteer services.
Elected to the Board is new Board member Robert Myers/K2TV, newly retired from CBS in NY. Bob brings both technical as well as people skills to MetroCor. Welcome Bob!
Also welcomed were Chief Technical Advisor to the Board, Steve Barreres/K2CX, and MetroCor Representative Lance Alfieri/N2HBA.
Steve is a long-time technical expert having worked in the Broadcasting industry for many years. He will handle all technical matters relating to coordination reviews as well as working with MetroCor�s Band Coordinators. Welcome Steve!
Lance will be MetroCor�s �trouble-shooter� in dealing with issues that need his expertise, especially where conflict on issues, both technical as well as political, need his successful form of �brinksmanship�.
Fred Fitte/WA2MMX, President of UNYREPCO and Lou Harris/N1UEC, Vice President and 70CM band Coordinator attended the morning session and had some fine input for MetroCor to review. Fred thanked us for our support of his new administration and NOPC work with UNYREPCO�s Paul Isby. Lou also voiced similar sentiment and showed us NESMC�s on-line coordination system.
On the NFCC certification matter, one that Metrocor has pursued since 2002 (along with CSMA), UNYREPCO & NESMC will be contacting the NFCC to see why there has been no movement in this area to date, especially on the matter of their promise of a revised application for �new� applicants such as MetroCor, instead of only a �charter� application. However UNYREPCO and NESMC both voiced support of MetroCor, regardless of the NFCC�s lack of action.
On the agenda was discussion of review of both the SERA and CSMA 900 MHz revised Band Plans, which will affect immediate coordination of a number of systems that rely on surplus commercial gear in order to get on 33CM. It was agreed by all present that a more responsive plan must be adopted in 2006 for this band.
UNYREPCO states that they have roughly six (6) systems currently active, wherein MetroCor has only two or three that it is currently aware of. Once the revised BP is adopted, MetroCor will immediately begin coordination of 902MHz systems. In the meantime, we will be contacting these system trustees to establish if there�s any interest, activity, etc.
The idea of a �summit� meeting of Metrocor, UNYREPCO, NESMC, ARCC & CSMA was discussed. We may hold it in the spring. However I just exchanged e-mails this evening with ARCC and they suggested a possible meeting out at the Dayton Hamfest in May. This may be the best spot to meet. Stay tuned.
On the Coordination front, MetroCor made several more NOPC submissions this past week on both Two meters and 70 CM. Once again, several more NOPCs were approved, while two had to be withdrawn for further review, based on objections.
MetroCor cannot stress enough that It is extremely important to notify your coordinating body of any changes to your system, whether the parameters are �formal� (i.e. change of call sign and/or trustee and/or organization) and/or �technical� (geographical, topographical and/or technical). This is done via downloading a copy of the current coordination and/or Link application from our website and sending it to our PO Box, with an electronic copy (optional) to our e-mail box. Our neighboring coordinating bodies are in agreement with our view.
When technical parameters change in ANY way, shape or form, an NOPC must be circulated to our neighboring coordinating bodies, to determine the effect(s) of such change. Based on the changes submitted to the coordinating body, propagation prediction software will accurately take into account those parameters. If there are objections, the parameters may have to be adjusted so as to avoid interference to co-channel systems in the neighboring regions.
On the Metrocor electronic �newsletter� idea, we�re looking into this further, but maybe on a semi-annual basis.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week found MetroCor moving along in several areas.
On the Coordination front, MetroCor made several NOPC (Notice of Proposed Coordination) submissions, based on the start of our efforts to have all the waiting lists resolved. Several more NOPCs were approved, while two had to be withdrawn for further review, based on objections.
On one particular 70CM NOPC that was granted, the system trustee of that grant discovered that an unknown �rogue� system was transmitting on the coordinated pair without any ID of the system whatsoever. This transmission occurred after the pair had been confirmed abandoned by CSMA, the previous coordinator of the defunct system in CT. The coordinated system will begin legal transmission on the pair. If the other, unidentified system either returns or persists in occupying the pair, an eventual RFI complaint will be filed by the trustee to the OO program representative. Metrocor will confirm that the system making the complaint does possess valid coordination.
As we have stated earlier, Coordination is an �ongoing� process. Two instances became known this week where it was discovered that each system [currently issued Metrocor coordination] had altered their previously coordinated systems by moving their systems without notifying MetroCor. In both cases, each system had physically moved their systems; effectively nullifying their coordination � i.e. � they are currently operating without any coordination.
It is extremely important to notify your coordinating body of any changes to your system, whether the parameters are �formal� (i.e. change of call sign and/or trustee and/or organization) and/or �technical� (geographical, topographical and/or technical). This is done via downloading a copy of the current coordination and/or Link application from our website and sending it to our PO Box, with an electronic copy (optional) to our e-mail box.
When technical parameters change in ANY way, shape or form, an NOPC must be circulated to our neighboring coordinating bodies, to determine the effect(s) of such change. Based on the changes submitted to the coordinating body, propagation prediction software will accurately take into account those parameters. If there are objections, the parameters may have to be adjusted so as to avoid interference to co-channel systems in the neighboring regions.
What is particularly annoying to MetroCor is receiving an RFI complaint from a neighboring system in another coordinating body�s area, only to discover that the system that MetroCor had believed to be in compliance with its stated coordination document had moved its site over one year ago, and never informed MetroCor! Metrocor cannot vouch for valid coordination of a system that has moved and has not submitted a coordination application to �modify� the system parameters, so that MetroCor may notify its neighboring coordinating bodies.
MetroCor will be mailing five new coordination certificates this week. This is conjunction with the advent of the upcoming assignments that are being reviewed for proper geographic �fit� for those bands. Several two meter �waiting list� candidates have already responded and we�re hoping to follow-up and hear from the remainder, get their studies done on proposed site parameters and see if they can get started within the six months allotted.
MetroCor will be holding it periodic Board of Directors� meeting this coming weekend. There will be a full agenda and I�ll report on a summary of that activity next week. Chief among them will be possible adoption of the SERA or CSMA 900 MHz revised Band Plan, which will affect immediate coordination of a number of systems that rely on surplus commercial gear in order to get on 33CM.
Speaking of reporting, Metrocor is studying the idea of a periodic electronic �newsletter� that may better inform our readers of the ongoing coordination process as well as ideas for Membership and volunteer activities. I�ll be discussing this with Vince Caruso/KC2LSN and we hope to have something constructive to report by next week, at least in formative ideas.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
This past week, MetroCor made progress on several fronts.
We finalized our data submission for listing of systems in the upcoming ARRL Repeater Director for 2006-07. This latest edition will most probably be issued by the ARRL during April, 2006. Check their website (link is in our Links section) for that announcement.
There will be some changes, some additions and some deletions. However we must stress to all that the ARRL RD is only a �listing� � NOT coordination for the whole year.
Coordination is an �ongoing� process. This process is continual and has really picked up in the last week, with new NOPCs for a number of MetroCor systems. MetroCor will continue to stay active in this area, now that we have the process up and running, again. Please remember that our website is the place to check if a system is listed as �coordinated�. If it�s not, it will not be listed UNLESS it was a carryover from 2004 as a TSARC late submission that needed further resolution. The website will begin to show these changes by next weekend.
Some MetroCor applicants were approved, others were not. Others have additional issues that the applicants must resolve. Others were rejected outright. All those affected will be notified of their individual results.
Additionally, MetroCor has heard your concerns about its �Assigned Test Pair� (�ATP�) designation and usage for Two Meters and Seventy Centimeters. Effective this weekend, those designations will be removed from our website. This is with the advent of the upcoming assignments that are being reviewed for proper geographic �fit� for those bands.
On the D-Star front, MetroCor has been invited to attend a future ICOM demonstration at KJI Electronics by Gene Niemiec/K2KJI, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at HRU 2006, where I moderated a forum on Coordination. In attendance besides myself were our Secretary, Dave/WA2YYL and Board member Mario/N2PVP.
Finally and in the course of issuing and discussing (via e-mail) the NOPCs to our neighboring coordination bodies, subjects such as �SNPs� (�Shared (but) Not Protected� frequencies), 33CM Band plan changes (ARCC and CSMA have issued statements on their views � ARCC has adopted SERA�s BP) and more were also discussed.
We'll continue to advise you of more activity next week.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President � MetroCor
January 08, 2006
To start the new year 2006, we have had a number of changes occur over the last several weeks, in volunteer staffing, coordination news, the MetroCor website, NOPCs, cross-coordination and more.
However the biggest change and one long sought after will occur as of this posting on our website. Starting today and every Monday thereafter, MetroCor will be posting a weekly update of its activities on both the coordination area as well as the membership area. Even if there is nothing that occurred over a given week, this site will be updated.
New MetroCor volunteers Vince Caruso/KC2LSN and Jim Battista/KC2LSM (both members of Tri-State Emergency Communications in Passaic, NJ.) will be assisting me and Webmaster Mario Sellitti/N2PVP in reviewing the weekly posting for content and relevance to you, our viewer.
Additionally, Vince has created �MetroCor Watch� Yahoo Group. Originally the group was set up in response to our shutting down the MetroCor �bulletin board�, as well as a lack of communication of what MetroCor was doing about the long outstanding coordination issues.
Admittedly, I could have and should have done a better job. The creation of the Yahoo Group has actually become a good forum and place that I find much easier to use as I am also a Yahoo! user. Please don�t hesitate to post good comments as well. We need to know what�s not working as well as what is working.
My and Vince�s only request is that when you have a complaint, please do so in a calm, business-like fashion, i.e. � no �flaming�. I promise all of you that I will respond to each and every concern raised. As we create a message bank of information, questions that were previously answered and come up repeatedly will be posted as new �Q&As� and added on our MetroCor website section.
Here is the latest progress report:
� Appointments � Over the past several months, the following volunteer appointments were made: Steve Barreres/K2CX � Chief Technical Advisor to the MetroCor Board; Richard Velez/N2ROW � 70CM Band Coordinator; Mark Phillips/KC2ENI � 33CM & 23CM Band Coordinator.
� 2M and Waiting List - Due to the assignment of all allocated test pairs available to amateurs listed on this list, those on the list will be receiving their individual letters in the mail and/or e-mail this week, advising each of their individual test pair assignment. We have also corrected errors in our database concerning some mislabeling of frequency pairs. We are also notifying via copy our neighboring coordination bodies in anticipation of eventual NOPCs, in order to seek both their assistance as well as cooperation in finalizing new 2M coordination candidates. We are also working with any and all OS 2M coordination applicants that had filed previously but had been on �hold� status due to individual issues inherent with their situations.
� 70 CM (440MHz) and Waiting List � This list continues to be worked on regarding frequency pairs to be assigned. We will update all of you in the next posting on changes that we�re working on as I write this post. We will make a significant dent in this band during the first half of 2006. Our increase in volunteering staff will greatly aid the task of both outstanding as well as new coordination approvals.
� 1.25M (222MHz) band and Waiting List � As with 70CM, this list should also be affected significantly in the first half of 2006.
� 33CM (900MHz) band and Waiting List � MetroCor has been in continuous and active dialogue over the past six months with neighboring coordination bodies in revising the plan for this band. CSMA (Connecticut Spectrum Management Association) spear-headed this effort, with 33CM BC Mark Casey/K1MAP putting in significant time and effort. We have circulated the plan among our own Board as well as K2CX & KC2ENI. ARCC (Area repeater Coordination Council) met yesterday and will be issuing their comments and possibly amended proposal shortly. Once all councils agree on a single band plan, MetroCor will immediately advise those affected.
� 23CM (1.2GHz) band and Waiting List � The band plan will also be discussed with the advent of D-Star equipment becoming readily available. This band may become the new alternative to the many amateurs seeking their own repeater systems, but have been unable to on other bands because of frequency pair unavailability. MetroCor plans to attend D-Star vendor demonstrations when they occur in our area.
� 10M & 6M bands and Waiting Lists - We anticipate that complete processing of these amateurs who had been on these lists will be completed by April 15th 2006.
� Cross-coordination � I met with UNYREPCO�s new President, Fred Fitte/WA2MMX at the November ARRL Hudson Division Awards Dinner. Fred and I pledged each other�s organizations full support of the other. I also spoke with CSMA�s new President, Paul Gibson/ who reaffirmed the written agreement of cooperation between our respective organizations. Additionally, planning has recently started for a regional meeting of ARCC, CSMA, MetroCor, NESMC (New England Spectrum Management Council) & UNYREPCO. It is hoped that these organizations will meet in February 2006. The main theme is to discuss common issues involved in NOPCs as well as band planning, as well as working together to work on strategies that will help all of us.
Once again thank you to all those who continue to support MetroCor and its efforts to serve you. We will become more responsible during 2006 in reporting progress as well as where we are in the coordination process.
�73
Larry Lutzak / WA2CNV
President - MetroCor