RADIO FREQUENCIES & SAFETY


IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUES - PLEASE READ!!!



Because of the huge increase in club membership over the last few years it has become necessary to clarify the procedures used at Darlington & District MBC BEFORE any radio equipment is switched on. This should hopefully eliminate any potential accidents and ensure the safety of spectators, club members, their boats and equipment.

So for the safety of all involved, the following guidelines should be observed...


1.
We operate a "frequency pegboard" system, and on club days (wednesday afternoon/evening and sunday mornings), these pegboards MUST be placed above the launching area BEFORE any radio equipment is turned on OR any boats placed onto the water.

2.
It is the members responsibility to get the correct peg from the frequency board and clip it to his/her transmitter BEFORE turning any radio equipment on. This also includes switching equipment on for the purposes of testing in the clubhouse OR the carpark and surrounding areas.

3.
If the peg is not available for your frequency you CANNOT switch on any radio equipment. If the peg is not in use by another member, you should consult a member of the comittee for advice BEFORE you attempt to switch on - It MAY be in use in the clubhouse, and turning on your equipment could potentially be disastrous!

4.
Only UK legal 27Mhz and 40Mhz radio equipment may be used. The use of other frequencies is not only illegal for surface use, but can also cause unwanted interference for other members.

5.
As soon as you have finished using your radio equipment, and turned it OFF, you should RETURN the peg to the frequency board for the use of other members.

6.
If other members are waiting to sail (or test equipment) using a frequency that is already being used, please attempt to share the time equally. Having a member who hogs a frequency peg whilst knowing that another member wishes to use it will only result in unnecessary friction and potential arguements. If use of the frequency peg cannot be mutually agreed, a comittee member should be consulted to arbitrate.

7.
Failure to follow these simple rules could result in disciplinary action being taken against the member concerned as deemed fit by the comittee.



MHz UK Channel MHz UK Colour
40.665  665    
40.675  675 26.970 Black
40.685  685 26.975 Black
40.695  695 26.995 Brown
40.705  705 27.020 Brown/Red
40.715  715 27.025 Brown/Red
40.725  725 27.045 Red
40.735  735 27.070 Red/Orange
40.745  745 27.075 Red/Orange
40.755  755 27.095 Orange
40.765  765 27.120 Orange/Yellow
40.775  775 27.125 Orange/Yellow
40.785  785 27.145 Yellow
40.795  795 27.170 Yellow/Green
40.805  805 27.175 Yellow/Green
40.815  815 27.195 Green
40.825  825 27.220 Green/Blue
40.835  835 27.225 Green/Blue
40.845  845 27.245 Blue
40.855  855 27.255 Blue
40.865  865 27.270 Purple
40.875  875 27.275 Purple
40.885  885    
40.895  895    
40.905  905    
40.915  915    
40.925  925    
40.935  935    
40.945  945    
40.955  955    
40.965  965    
40.975  975    
40.985  985    
40.995  995    


The Gen on 27Mhz

J.R.C.U.C.

At the last meeting, the Secretary reported a modeller had written to the Radiocommunications Authority complaining about them changing from the present 27Mhz colour frequencies to a new 10Khz channel spacing. It was agreed by the meeting that we issue a statement on the 27Mhz band when we receive their comments. Unfortunately, Compass have "jumped the gun" somewhat and issued a premature statement that seems to have alarmed some members although I have not seen it. Also a somewhat inaccurate report in the latest Model Boats based - they say - on the news from Compass.

The position is there are no new regulations concerning the 27Mhz band, just a slow improvement in the equipment to bring it in line with the accepted channel spacing for all equipments (not just R.C.) in this frequency - which is 10Khz. Since the introduction of CE marks, R.C. manufacturers have had to supply transmitters that comply with the technical specification. For the modeller this means most transmitters now in use will work on 10Khz spacing but their receiver may not. As most members use split frequencies these days they already know their equipment works on 20Khz spacing but until additional crystals become available on the other three intermediate frequencies it is difficult to test their sets at 10Khz spacing. New equipments currently being introduced should state if they will operate on the narrower spacing. I have recently supplied to Ripmax a list of the frequencies copied from the table in our Yearbook and hope to see equipment crystals from them in the near future. This is all good news for modellers, as it will give us additional frequencies to operate on.

The only problem is the present colour system cannot be extended to include any more channels and it is recommended we come in line with the other bands and adopt a channel numbering system. This has been in existance for many years but not used because modellers preferred the colour system on 27Mhz. What is now recommended is that any equipment capable of operating on 10Khz spacing should use the channel number (black number on a white flag) to indicate to other users this fact. Older sets can stay on colour flags to warn others to keep at least 20Khz away. The mix of old and new sets will require modellers to check with each other for compatibility for some time to come but in the end we will all benefit from the additional frequencies available.

Fred Body