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data_accuracy [2019/02/12 12:59] kd6kpc created |
data_accuracy [2021/02/27 14:11] |
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- | ====== Data Accuracy ====== | ||
- | Repeater databases always have, and always will, struggle with accuracy. It's the very nature of dealing with repeaters. They can be operational one minute and not the next. Power outages, hardware failures, site issues, etc., can all impact the operability of a repeater. Paper-based repeater directories are out of date the moment they are printed. | ||
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- | Electronic directories allow for instant updates of the directory. The power of the Internet can bring the data to anyone with a connection. Modern web design also allows for notifying interested persons about updates to a repeater' | ||
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- | There is no requirement for any repeater owner to report the existence of their repeater to anyone. Not the FCC. Not a coordination council. It is certainly encouraged to report a repeater to the coordination group so that there is some standing if an interference claim is made. However, it is possible that someone can hold a coordination on a repeater that is non-functional or does not even exist. | ||
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- | We have not seen a repeater council track the current operational status of a repeater publicly. We have heard that some councils will respond to reports that a repeater is not functioning and require the repeater owner to commit to making the repeater functional again or risk having their coordination revoked. Only the most highly-motivated coordinators check repeaters for operability. We have seen this to be the exception and not the rule. Furthermore, | ||
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- | Keeping the data private is of no value to the amateur radio community. We blame this practice on the ARRL, who would purchase repeater listings from coordination entities to publish in their own directory, which they sold. Repeater listings became a revenue stream for the ARRL, coordination councils, and others. A coordination council' | ||
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- | With a fragmented system of coordination councils across the country (and world), sketchy data, and profiteering from the data itself, only made finding a good source of data very tough. The Internet tried to fix this as Hams all over the country would post repeater lists on the web or groups and individuals posting about their repeater(s). | ||
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- | Nwham.com was just one of these " | ||
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