Batboard

Hello all,

I am looking at the on line software spectrumwatch.com. I have some questions.

1)Does any body use this stuff?
2)Will this software identify used frequencies as well as unused frequencies?
3) What is the best way to try to find unused repeaterm pairs? Is it luck, a computer program, or other database.

4) Finally, how do the coordinators do this?

Thanks, Rob

It looks like just a friendly search engine for the FCC.
That should be used with a spectrum audit.

The best way is to find out what channels your service is authorized. Then go into the FCC database and pull
out the stations in your area. The distance you need to worry about will vary depending on the location your
in and what the hills and valleys will do for you.

Once you have established your base of frequencies to work with, start monitoring. Keep some sort of record
of the activity on each channel.

Don't forget that the FCC database is only who is holding a license and not if they are currently using the channel.
Many agencies have migrated off of some of the channels they hold a license for. These inactive channels are
where your going to start with. Pick a number of them and then work with the coordinators. If both of you have
done your home work, you just might end up with a usable channel.

This may take a couple of months of poking and listening to come up with some usable channels.

Jim

The last question -4- is the most relevant. The coordinators maintain their own databases, and frankly it's best to work with your coordinator who may be privy to various agencies' plans to vacate or reuse pairs that might otherwise seem active. There are only a few coordinators for public safety, start a dialog with the one that applies to you.

I've found the Spectrumwatch subscription to be a useful
source of data, but as was indicated above what it really is
is a starting point for your requirements. If their searches
miss anything it's not very much, I believe. It's also much
faster than the FCC search method where you have to do
the searches in smaller batches or sometimes even individual
entries/licensees.