SNRC Portable Repeater Policy

By definition, coordination is to a fixed location, so coordination of a portable repeater is not within the scope of repeater coordination. There are already several repeaters operating on the frequency pairs that get used away from their coordinated locations (portable). This discussion of portable operations will help to resolve the operation of these systems.

The pairs assigned for portable operation will have certain constraints. These pairs are intended for shared, local and portable operations. Some overlap is expected. Use of PL is mandatory. Operators agree to accept co-channel (same channel) interference and act to prevent inadvertent access by co-channel users. They are responsible for "PL" tone frequency coordination, but need to advise the coordinator of their choice. They agree not to operate in "beacon" mode, or intertie to other amateur frequencies that might monopolize the "channel". ERP is limited to a max of 100w with an antenna not to exceed 100 ft AGL and AAT, except that portable operation is limited to 10 watt transmitter output power.  Repeaters must be on the air at their coordinated location when not deployed for portable use.  To minimize conflicts and interference the repeater owner must check the frequency before operations for the possible use of other portable repeaters.  The only frequency currently available at VHF for portable operation is 145.33 and at UHF they are currently planned for new portable coordination at frequencies of 446.250/446.275.  The 145.33 is temporary pending future band reassignments that may occur after conference with repeater owners.