Frequencies

The only frequencies which are allowed are those in the UK 35MHz band, see the BMFA Handbook. The reason for this restriction is that a comprehensive frequency survey has concluded that permission to use any other frequencies would significantly increase the risk of an interference related incident.

As a local rule we require all members of a team to use the same frequency. Many teams from distant countries do not have the resources to field more than one competitor at a time, so the use of a single frequency will allow this to be scheduled with minimum disruption to the flying order, and with greater safety. There is no requirement that the team frequencies be the same for F5B and F5D.

In addition the site layout requires substantial separation between the transmitters for the distance and landing tasks. Again for safety we will insist on a minimum separation of 20kHz between active transmitters.
This results in the 18 discreet channels (in MHz)

34.960 35.140
34.980 35.160
35.000 35.180
35.020 35.200
35.040 35.220
35.060 35.240
35.080 35.260
35.100 35.280
35.120 35.300

It is desirable, both for safety and for scheduling, that each team has its own unique frequency. To assist in this the competitor liaison officer George.Shering@btopenworld.com will advise in frequency choice and allocation. In the final event the organisers reserve the right to specify the frequency to be used.

Control receiver

An additional receiver with appropriate crystal will be required for the course monitoring equipment.