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

History of UK repeater admin1972 - 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

3

Who are we?Plus

NI: John, GI4BWM (Chairman)

TV Specialist: Noel, G8GTZ

Data Modes: Steve, G8SFR

Bob, G3VVT

Colin, GM8LBC

Mark, GW7KDU

Jon, G4TSN

Dave, G7UZN

Andrew, G8DOR

Key Objectives of ETCCEnsure the network provides best possible coverageEnsure the best use of spectrum & compliance with

current specsProduction of specifications for repeatersTo encourage good practice by repeater groupsTo encourage knowledge sharing and co-operation

between groupsLiaise with repeater groups and other amateur

bodiesTo ensure the NoV approval process provides the

best possible turnaround

21/04/23 All About Repeaters GI4BWM 5

The repeater networkOver 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)

The repeatersAll run and financed by local groups

across the UK ETCC manages the network not individual

repeatersAnalogue voice repeaters (320)

28MHz – 10 GHzDV nodes and gateways (70)Television repeaters (42)

1.3GHz – 10GHzPacket mailboxes and nodes, regenerative

nodes, Digital data channels to special one-off

applications

Digital VoiceD-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 radioDual mode repeaters were announced last month

 IRLP is now fully supported on Raspberry Pi, using much less power and space at repeater sites.

 

The NoV processRepeaters do not have their own licenseThey are licensed as a variation to the keeper’s

licenseCalled a Notice of Variation (NoV)The keeper is responsible to ensure the repeater

complies with the NoVNoVs are applied for via ETCC

ETCC vets the applicationAgreed practice & technical competantCoverage compatible with existing units

The ETCC forwards the application to Ofcom

The Ofcom relationshipETCC has a good working relationship with Ofcom

Note we only deal with repeater licensingWe vet and submit applications in to OfcomETCC is able to produce full Ofcom-branded NoV

documentationReduces clearance times for proposals not requiring primary

user referral.We are secondary user on all bands between 432MHz and

47GHzAll NoV applications are passed to PU by Ofcom for approvalThis can take a very long timeSometimes no formal process exists between Ofcom and the PUVery difficult for ETCC to chase / get answersWe are relying on grace and favours

NoV applicationsAll 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

ukrepeaters web siteukrepeaters web site is the official ETCC web siteIt is the source of information, lists and maps for

the UK repeater systemsProvided as a volunteer effort at no cost to the

RSGBWeb 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.

Repeater listsRepeater lists

Application formApplication form

Coverage mapsCoverage maps

Vetting progressVetting progress

Contact web formContact web form

Check repeater status

table shown here is for illustrative purposes only

Here to helpRepeater usersRepeater groupsNew applicants

web form

email

mailbox@ukrepeater.net

www.ukrepeater.net