SSUK 35 MhzTransmitter Frequency Control Recommendations

Co-ordinated by Graham Stanley (you can PM Graham from the forum)

As users of this website often attend events at many different location, it is apparent a common frequency control process assists in reducing accidental misuse of the 35mHz channels available.

The most common process (and thus the recommended standard) is as follows:-

The organisers of events book pilots and their transmitters in before flying commences. Adminitration, such as proof of insurance and qualifications (i.e. current BMFA / LMA card / model exeption certificate etc) should be requested, and any fees collected prior to the next steps. Fliers in the transmitter control log should be grouped together by their transmitter frequency so it is clear if more than one pilot wishes to use a given frequency.

  • Intended frequencies, pilots names and model types are noted.
  • The frequency of each transmitter is confirmed with a scanner.
  • An identification tag is given to each pilot, and the detail on this tag are recorded against the notes above. The tag is often in the form of a key ring, with a clear ID number on it. This number has no relationship to the frequency to be used, but allows the pilot using a given peg to be identified.

The organisers provide a pegboard, with pegs numbered for each of the frequencies. The board has a numbered space for each peg, and a hook adjacent to each numbered space.

Before a pilot can switch on his transmitter:-

  • The pilot ensures the appropriate peg is available, and is not in use by another flier.
  • The pilots ID tag is placed on the board against the frequency to be used.
  • The correctly numbered peg is removed from the board, leaving no peg against that frequency space. The peg is placed on the transmitter, authorising the use of that transmitter on the frequency identified on the peg.
  • The transmitter may now be switched on.The pilot may now pre flight his aircraft and proceed to fly etc....

After the flight is complete, model recovered and switched off etc. the transmitter must be switched off, and the peg may be returned to the pegboard so another pilot may use that frequency if required. As the peg is placed back on the pegboard the ID tag is removed by the pilot. If the pilot is the sole user of this frequency (as confirmed by the transmitter control log created above) he may retain the peg for a more extended period, but ensure it is returned at the end of the flying session.

Tug pilots are often given priority of use of a given channel, so advance sight of the published user frequencies and ensuring your choice is logged on the list can increase flying time available. See the list (add link to the list)

Should a pilot change the frequency in use, the transmitter must be booked in again at the Tx control with a check of actual transmitted frequency (at reduced power or minimum aerial and, of course with the requisite peg(s) not currently in use) BEFORE use..

One other consideration for the pegboard custodian is that, although nobody will do it deliberately, pegs will inadvertently be taken off-site and could turn up at the next meeting. When a replacement peg is put on the board, all pegs should be marked in such a way that 'rogue' pegs can be easily spotted in future.

At events attended by the public the organisers might further tighten the above by imposing a transmitter pound, booking in and out transmitters so that unused transmitters are not available to be accidently switched on in error.